Which instrument determines altitude relative to sea level?

Prepare for the Private Pilot License Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which instrument determines altitude relative to sea level?

Explanation:
Altitude relative to mean sea level is shown by the altimeter. This barometric instrument senses ambient static pressure and converts it to height using the standard atmosphere. When you dial in the local pressure setting (QNH), the altimeter reads your altitude above mean sea level. Without the local setting, it would display pressure altitude instead. The other instruments measure different things: the airspeed indicator uses dynamic pressure to show speed; the heading indicator shows direction; the attitude indicator shows the aircraft’s orientation.

Altitude relative to mean sea level is shown by the altimeter. This barometric instrument senses ambient static pressure and converts it to height using the standard atmosphere. When you dial in the local pressure setting (QNH), the altimeter reads your altitude above mean sea level. Without the local setting, it would display pressure altitude instead. The other instruments measure different things: the airspeed indicator uses dynamic pressure to show speed; the heading indicator shows direction; the attitude indicator shows the aircraft’s orientation.

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