QNE is the aviation abbreviation for which altitude reference?

• A. Density altitude
• B. Indicated altitude
• C. Absolute altitude
• D. Pressure altitude

Answer: (D)

QNE refers to pressure altitude—the altitude shown when the altimeter is set to the standard pressure of 29.92 inHg (1013 hPa). This setting ties the instrument to a fixed reference surface in the atmosphere, so the readout represents height above that standard pressure surface rather than above sea level or the ground. This is why QNE is used for flight levels and ATC separation at higher altitudes. It’s different from indicated altitude (which uses the local QNH), density altitude (which adjusts for nonstandard temperature), and absolute/true altitude (which relate to height above ground or mean sea level).