Which aviation term corresponds to the reference height known as pressure altitude?

• A. QNE
• B. QNH
• C. QFE
• D. Indicated altitude

Answer: (A)

Pressure altitude is the height in the standard atmosphere as measured with the altimeter set to the standard pressure of 1013.25 hPa. The aviation term for this reference height is QNE. When you set the altimeter to 1013.25 hPa, it reads pressure altitude, which is the altitude above the standard datum plane where pressure is 1013.25 hPa and is used for flight levels and high-altitude operations beyond the transition altitude.

QNH is the local sea-level pressure setting that makes the altimeter read altitude above mean sea level. QFE is the pressure at the airfield surface, making the altimeter read the field elevation. Indicated altitude is simply the altitude shown on the altimeter with the current local setting.