ALTIMETER

The pressure altimeter is provided to measure the vertical distance through air
from a specified datum which is a critical requirement for vertical navigation. This
information is useful for purposes of maintaining terrain clearance, vertical separation
from other air traffic and for considerations of helicopter’s performance.

Principle of Operation. An altimeter measurers the atmospheric (or Static)

pressure, which reduces with increase in height, and displays it in terms of vertical
distance in feet. Basically a pressure altimeter is a modified aneroid (non-liquid)
barometer.

Construction. Static pressure from helicopter’s static source is fed to the

sealed case of the instrument. Main components of the instrument are; evacuated metal
capsule held by a leaf spring, connecting linkages, pointers and a dial. Mechanical
linkages magnify the expansion or contraction of capsule and convert linear movement

FROM
LEAF POINTER POINTERS
STATIC
SPRING INDICATE
SOURCE
INCREASED
GLASS
ALTITUDE
FACE

LINKAGES
CARD SCALE
LINKAGES CAPSULE MOVE
ANEROID EXAPANDS
CAPSULE
POINTER
SETTING S
KNOB K
m

COMPONENTS OF A SIMPLE ALTIMETER EFFECT OF CLIMB

to rotational movement of pointer(s) over a dial. As helicopter climbs, static pressure

inside the case falls and as a result the capsule expands under control of the leaf spring.
Expansion of capsule is indicated as increase in attitude by movement of pointer(s)
against a dial. Unlike the simple linkage shown in the figure the actual arrangements in
the instrument are rather complex.

SENSITIVE ALTIMETER

In helicopters, altimeters with multiple capsules (or bellows) usually three, are
used with three pointers.
Sometimes, to avoid
obscuring of the readings,
only single pointer for 100
ft and counters for 1,000
and 10,000 feet may be
used. The altimeter is
calibrated according to ISA
which allows for non-linear
distribution of atmospheric
pressure. A variable
magnification lever system
and dynamic design of the
capsules ensure that the altimeter gives a linear presentation of the non-linear
distribution of atmospheric pressure. Changes in ambient temperature around the

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
altimeter would expand or contract sensitive components of the linkage mechanism. Any
errors arising due to this reason are minimized by incorporating temperature
compensating device (bimetallic yoke). This should not be confused with temperature
error of the altimeter that is caused by ambient temperature being at variance to the ISA.
An encoding unit for use with ATC Transponder with suitable enunciator may also form
part of the instrument.

Pressure–setting Subscale. Vertical distribution of atmospheric pressure is

further complicated by building up of high and low pressure weather systems causing
pressure variations in horizontal plane. Prevailing temperature and its lapse rate further
affects the rate of fall of pressure with altitude. Therefore, for use of any reference as
fixed datum, for example the mean sea level, a provision is required for setting of this or
any other pressure datum. A pressure setting knob and a sub scale indicating the
selected datum enable this facility. The altimeter always indicates the difference in
pressure at the casing and the setting on the subscale converted to feet. Sometimes two
separate windows to indicate the setting in hPa as well as inches may be provided.

SUB SCALE SETINGS

Selected pressure datum indicated in the small window is generally known as

sub scale setting and relates to the following.
QFE is air field datum pressure. When set on the sub scale with aircraft on
ground, altimeter will read zero and once airborne it would indicate in vicinity of the
airfield height above the airfield.

QNH is the mean sea level pressure computed from the airfield pressure
assuming ISA conditions from elevation of airfield to mean sea level. With QNH set on
the sub scale altimeter on ground reads elevation of airfield above mean sea level and in
its neighborhood reasonably true altitudes.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 QNE or standard setting (1013.2 hPa or 29.92”) when set on the sub scale,
altimeter indicates pressure altitude that is the vertical separation above pressure level
of 1013.2 hPa, and this is used also for flying at flight levels.

SOME DEFINTIONS

Height. The vertical distance of level, point or an object considered as a point

from a specified datum, for example height of an obstruction above airfield elevation (or
ground level).

Altitude. The vertical distance of a level or a point or an object considered as a

point, measured from mean sea level. An altimeter with subscale set to local QNH will
read pressure altitudes.

Elevation. The vertical distance of a point or a level on or affixed to the surface

of the earth measured from mean sea level. Example: elevation of a helipad or a point
S
K
m
on high ground.

Density Altitude. Corresponding altitude in the ISA at which the air density is the
same as existing density. Therefore, higher density attitude relates to atmospheric
condition rarer than ISA. Performance manuals use this as a parameter in monograms
and computation of permissible loads et al.

True (Absolute) Altitude. The exact vertical distance up to any point from the
ground surface below. It can be determined by radio altimeter, as pressure altimeter can
not be relied upon due to variance in existing atmospheric conditions and its calibration.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 Transition Altitude. It is the highest altitude below which the vertical position of
an aircraft is controlled by reference to mean sea level pressure, that is altimeter set on
local QNH.

Flight Level. Surface if constant pressure at or above the transition level,

separated by pressure interval, normally corresponding to 500 feet with mean sea level
pressure at 1013.2 hPa. Flight levels are expressed as hundreds of feet.
S
Transition Level. It is the lowestKm flight level above which the vertical position of
an aircraft is controlled by reference to separation from pressure datum of 1013.2 hPa.
This is also expressed in hundreds of feet as in case of flight levels.

Transition Layer. The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition
level, provided for change over by an ascending aircraft from QNH to QNE and vice
versa for a descending aircraft.

ALTIMETER ERRORS

Main errors of pressure altimeter may be caused due to limitation of mechanical

components, atmospheric variations and blockages within the pressure sensing system
itself. Important once are enumerated in the following paragraphs.

Instrument Error. Tolerance limits of manufacture, wear and tear of the moving
components with usage and friction of linkages etc cause error in indication of altitude.
Regular calibration and corrections ensures that the error remains within permitted limits.

Lag Error. A delay in indication between change of atmospheric pressure and

the movement of linkages and pointer(s) as a result of expansion or contraction of
capsule, inevitably takes place. Friction of moving parts adds to this lag in the indication
when change from climb to descent or vice versa takes place. Small errors tend to
became large due to magnification of capsule movement, more significantly at higher
altitudes. Helicopter vibrations minimize the error. Some altimeters are provided with
vibrator and jewelled bearings to reduce effect of the lag error.

Position Error. Although static source is located at a point where air flow is
laminar and least disturbed but the true static pressure is not fed to the instrument.
Speed, altitude and configuration of the helicopter would also contribute to the
magnitude of total error. Assessed during flight test and when significant Position Error is
combined with Instrument Error and is included in the flight manual. The second
component of this error is also known as manoeuvre induced error in higher speed
aircraft using pressure heads for sensing the static and pitot pressures.

Barometric Error. Non standard mean sea level pressure prevailing at different
times and places is the cause of barometric error. The error is compensated by setting
the calculated area pressure at sea level, which is the QNH on the sub scale. If the sub
scale is not reset during flight to cater for sea level pressure changes, the altimeter
would under read when flying towards a high pressure area, that is, where QNH is
higher than 1013.2 hPa. An altimeter under reading implies indicated altitude lower than
the actual or mnemonic ‘low high low’. Opposite condition is high-low-high (also known
as high towards low, look out below) – altimeter over reading being dangerous during
flight. Stated in another manner, flying from high pressure area to a low pressure area

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
on a constant setting, say 1013 hPa, maintaining the same indicated altitude (or level)
the helicopter would gradually be descending and reducing actual vertical clearance

above the mean sea level as shown in the figure on the next page.

Incorrect sub scale setting inadvertently or due to the value being in error will
also give incorrect indication. Pressure fall of 1 hPa for every 30 feet of increase in
attitude, up to about 10,000 feet, may be considered for any calculations. For instance, if
sub scale has been set to 1021 instead of 1012 hPa, the resulting error would be;

9 x 30 = 270 feet and over-reading [indication is higher than actual].

Temperature Error. True attitude would not be indicated by pressure altimeter

even if no other errors are there, unless the existing surface temperature and the lapse

BAROMATRIC ERROR

rate are same as used in calibration. When flying in colder regions (where air density is
greater than ISA at that level) the altimeter would over-read. The thumb rules ‘low high
low’ and ‘high low high’ hold good in this case also. The error can be estimated by using
following formula or using special settings on navigational computer.
The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 True Alt = Indicated Alt ± 4 feet / 1000 ft / deg C of ISA deviation
(minus when colder than ISA)

Example: Helicopter flying at 3,000 feet observes OAT to be + 3°C. What is the
true altitude?

ISA temp at 3,000 ft = +15 – 3 x 2 = + 9° C

ISA Dev = 3 – 9 = - 6° C

True Alt = 3000 + 4 (3) (-6) = 3000 - 72

= 2,930 feet (approximately).

Blockages. In case static vent or static line gets blocked, thereafter the pressure
altimeter will not indicate any changes in cruising level that take place. The altimeter will
indicate constant reading of the level at which blockage occurred. Hence in a climb it
would under-read due to trapped higher static pressure. But while descending, its over-
reading the altitude may be dangerous from terrain clearance considerations.

A blockage of pitot source will not affect altimeter indications. Use of alternate
static source will cause incorrect indications based on static pressure of the alternate
source against actual static pressure. In case the former is higher, result would be over-
reading of the altimeter.

ACCURACY

With QNH or QFE set, the reading on ground should be within ± 60 feet of the
correct value.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 SUMMARY
ALTIMETER provides the vertical distance through air from a specified datum.

Principle. Atmospheric (or Static) pressure, which reduces with increase in height, is
displayed in terms of vertical distance in feet from a reference datum.

Construction. Main components are; evacuated metal capsule held by a leaf spring,
connecting linkages, pointers and a dial. Static pressure fed to sealed case of the
instrument. Expansion or contraction of capsule due to change in altitude
through magnifying linkages moves pointer(s) and is indicated as new altitude.

Sensitive Altimeter. Multiple capsules (usually three) with three pointers. Sometimes,
single pointer for 100 ft with counters for higher values may be used. Calibrated
according to ISA. Errors arising due to expansion/ contraction of components
are minimized by incorporating temperature compensating device (bimetallic
yoke). Encoding unit for use with ATC Transponder may be there.
Pressure Setting Sub Scale. High and low pressure weather systems
cause pressure variations in horizontal plane. A sub scale indicating the selected
datum enables setting of the desired pressure datum. The altimeter always
indicates the difference in pressure, converted to feet, at the casing and the
setting on the subscale.

SUB SCALE SETTINGS

QFE. Air field datum pressure. On ground, altimeter will read zero and in the air
indicate, in vicinity of the airfield, height above the airfield.
QNH. MSL pressure computed from the airfield pressure assuming ISA conditions
between airfield and MSL. With QNH set, altimeter on ground reads elevation of
airfield and in the air reasonably true altitudes in its neighborhood.
QNE. Standard MSL pressure setting that is 1013.2 hPa.

ERRORS
Instrument. Tolerance limits of manufacture, wear and tear of moving parts.
Lag. Indication delay caused due to friction and hysteresis. Pronounced in rapid
climb/descent. Minimized by use of jeweled bearings and vibrator.
Position. Inability to sense and feed true static pressure. Related to speed, altitude
and configuration. A transient component – manoeuvre-induced.
Barometric. Caused by non-standard mean seal level pressure prevailing at
different times and places. Compensated by sub scale setting. Error 30 ft/ hPa.
Temperature. Due difference in existing surface temperature and its lapse rate and
one used in calibration. True Alt = Indicated Alt ± 4 feet / 1000 ft / deg C of ISA deviation.
Blockages. Static source freezes indications. Under-reading in climb and vice versa.
ACCURACY. On ground ± 60 ft.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 SAMPLE QUESTIONS: ALTIMETER

1. A Pressure altimeter basically is a barometer, which measures;

(a) difference in pressure at mean sea level and helicopter’s level to indicate
as altitude.
(b) pressure existing at the helicopter’s level and indicates as altitude.
(c) pressure difference between the sub scale setting and helicopter’s level
to indicate as altitude.
(d) atmospheric pressure and based on ISA calibrations indicates that as the
altitude.

2. Expansion of capsule in a pressure altimeter takes place, when helicopter:

(a) descends from a higher level.
(b) flies into an area with higher temperature maintaining same level.
(c) flies to warmer area gradually descending to maintain same true attitude.
(d) climbs to a higher level.

3. Capsule of an altimeter, housed in sealed casing is supplied from the pressure

sensing system with;
(a) static pressure.
(b) no pressure.
(c) dynamic pressure.
(d) pitot pressure.

4. Mechanical linkages between the capsule and pointers in a simple altimeter,

basically;
(a) convert lateral movement to rotary movement.
(b) are used to magnify the pressure changes.
(c) are required to measure the difference in leaf spring tension and capsule
pressure.
(d) provided for temperature error calibration.

5. A sensitive altimeter differs from a simple altimeter in respect of;

1. number of capsules.
2. provision of setting a datum.
3. calibration as per ISA at mean sea level.
4. number of pointers.

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4

6. Temperature compensating device - bimetallic strips, are used in linkages of a

sensitive altimeter to compensate for the;
(a) temperature error.
(b) expansion / contraction of components with changes in ambient
temperature.
(c) temperature variations in the existing atmosphere and the ISA used
for calibration purposes.
(d) charges in static pressure as result of heating/ cooling of the air mass.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 7. When pressure setting sub scale is set to QNH, the altimeter indicates;
(a) absolute altitude.
(b) true altitude.
(c) pressure altitude.
(d) altitude.

8. With sub scale set at QNE, 1013.2 hPa, the altimeter reads;
(a) flight level.
(b) altitude.
(c) pressure altitude.
(d) flight level or pressure altitude.

9. Altimeter over runway at Delhi, elevation 777 ft with correct QNH set reads 700
ft. The altimeter is;
(a) serviceable.
(b) unserviceable.
(c) serviceable if subscale is corrected for +2.5 hPa.
(d) serviceable if subscale is corrected for - 2.5 hPa.

10. QNH at place ‘P’ is 1018 hPa, but the altimeter sub scale has been set at 1008
by error. The resulting difference in indication will be;
(a) 300 feet more.
(b) 240 feet more.
(c) 240 feet less.
(d) 300 feet less.

11. Flying over an airfield, helicopter ‘A’ with altimeter set at 1013 hPa and helicopter
‘B’ with altimeter set at local QNH, both report to be at 3000 feet. If airfield
elevation is 300 feet and QFE is 1003 hPa, the vertical separation between ‘A’
and ‘B’ is:
(a) Zero.
(b) ‘B’ 600 feet higher.
(c) ‘B’ 300 feet higher.
(d) ‘A’ 300 feet higher.

12. At a helipad, when altimeter is set to read zero, the subscale reads 1020 hPa. If
elevation of the helipad is known to be 270 feet , the;
(a) QNH is 1020 hPa.
(b) QNH is 1011 hPa.
(c) QNE is 1029 hPa.
(d) QFE is 1020 hPa.

13. In vicinity of an aerodrome with elevation 240 feet, height of the highest
obstruction is 720 feet agl. Helicopter flying at 3000 feet on QFE set on altimeter
will have minimum clearance from the obstruction equal to:
(a) 2020 feet
(b) 2280 feet
(c) 3000 feet
(d) 2760 feet

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 14. Density altitude is 6500 feet for pressure altitude of 7000 feet - signifies that
atmosphere is;
(a) denser than ISA.
(b) rarer than ISA.
(c) same as ISA.
(d) none of the above.

15. True (or absolute) height may be indicated by an altimeter when;

(a) QNH is set on sub scale.
(b) QFE is set on sub scale.
(c) QNH is set on sub scale and it happens to be 1013.2 hPa.
(d) QFE is 1013.2 hPa and set on sub scale.

16. At and above transition level, vertical position of an aircraft in vicinity of an

aerodrome is controlled by setting the altimeter to:
(a) aerodrome pressure or QFE.
(b) mean sea level pressure or QNH.
(c) aerodrome pressure reduced to mean sea level under prevailing
conditions or QFF.
(d) standard mean sea level pressure or QNE.

17. Below the transition altitude, vertical position of aircraft is controlled by setting
altimeter to;
(a) local QNH.
(b) local QFE.
(c) standard setting of 1013 hPa.
(d) regional QNH.

18. Pressure altimeter suffers from following errors;

1. Lag Error
2. Instrumental error
3. Position error
4. Temperature error
5. Setting error
6. Barometric error
7. Calibration error
8. Hysteresis error

(a) 1, 6 and 7.
(b) 2, 5 and 8.
(c) 3, 4 and 6.
(d) 4, 5 and 7.

19. Instrument error of pressure altimeter is caused due to:

(a) incorrect sensing of static pressure at the static vent of the pressure
sensing system.
(b) the limitations of manufacturing and tolerances.
(c) variance in existing and calibration pressures.
(d) inability of linkages to accurately relate pressure fall with increase in
altitude.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 20. Lag error in pressure altimeter results in delayed indication of the correct altitude
when helicopter;
(a) climbs from a level flight.
(b) accelerates and climbs.
(c) climbs or descends and levels out.
(d) descends and then levels out.

21. In an altimeter the pressure error which is caused by inability to sense correct
static pressure, also depends on;
(a) speed and altitude of helicopter.
(b) speed, altitude and configuration of helicopter.
(c) altitude, outside temperature and speed of helicopter.
(d) air density and speed of helicopter.

22. Barometric error in an altimeter is caused due to;

(a) non standard mean sea level pressure prevailing at different places and
times of the day.
(b) prevailing density at sea level being different than ISA used for
calibration.
(c) charges in pressure during the day and from place to place.
(d) difference in QNH and standard mean sea level pressure.

23. The sub scale of altimeter mistakenly has been set to 1021 instead of correct
QNH of 1019 hPa. If indicated altitude is 2,500 feet, the helicopter’s correct
altitude is:
(a) 2440 feet
(b) 2300 feet
(c) 2560 feet
(d) 2600 feet

24. In an altimeter the temperature error is caused due to;

(a) expansion or contraction of linkages due to temperature changes.
(b) ambient temperature not being same as one used for calibration.
(c) variation or fall of temperature with height in the atmosphere.
(d) differences in existing surface temperature and its lapse rate and those
used for calibration.

25. Helicopter is maintaining 3,500 feet of pressure altitude, while outside

temperature is +16°C. Its vertical clearance over a hill top with elevation 2,400
feet will be;
(a) 1,320 feet
(b) 1,210 feet
(c) 1,100 feet
(d) 990 feet

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 26. Helicopter takes off from Udaipur, elevation 1,684 feet and altimeter set at QFE
953 hPa. When passing 3,000 feet on QFE the second altimeter which is set at
1013 hPa will indicate;
(a) 4,500 ft
(b) 4,800 ft
(c) 4,000 ft
(d) 4,680 ft

27. While climbing through 8,000 feet the pitot source of a helicopter gets blocked.
Its altimeter on reaching 9,500 feet would indicate;
(a) 9500
(b) 8000
(c) Zero
(d) None of the above

28. The sub scale of an altimeter is set at 1030 hPa and it indicates 4,500 feet. If the
QNH in the area is 996 hPa, the height of helicopter AMSL is:
(a) 3,180 ft.
(b) 3,990 ft.
(c) 5,520 ft.
(d) 3,480 ft.

29. One altimeter of helicopter is set to QFE and the other to QNH 1,000 hPa. If
elevation of the helipad is 300 feet, immediately before take off the altimeter
with QFE will read………… and with QNH will read………… If the altimeter with
QFE is reset at 1013 while passing through Transition Altitude of 3,000 feet, it
will read……………..
(a) 300 ft, zero, and 2,610 ft.
(b) zero, 300 ft and 3,390 ft.
(c) zero, 300 ft and 3,690 ft.
(d) zero, 300 ft and 2,690 ft.

30. An altimeter with ………. set on the sub scale will indicate …………, but with
……… set the altimeter will show ……….. ;
(a) 1013 pressure altitude, QNH, height above mean sea level.
(b) QNE, pressure altitude, QNH, height above airfield datum.
(c) QFE, height above airfield datum, 1013, height above mean sea level.
(d) QNH, height above touchdown, 1013, height above mean sea level.

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]
 ANSWERS: ALTIMETER

Question Option Question Option

1 c 21 b

2 d 22 a

3 b 23 c

4 a 24 d

5 b 25 b

6 b 26 b

7 d 27 a

8 d 28 d

9 b 29 b

10 d 30 a

11 a

12 d

13 b

14 b

15 c

16 d

17 a

18 c

19 a

20 c

The Rotary Wing Society of India Notes by: Gp Capt SK Manocha (Retd) [email protected]