Most airports have a published transition altitude, and this is the point, when in a climb that you would change over from the local QNH setting to the QNE, or standard setting of 1013hPa. But what is the actual effect of this change?
Cold fronts are a common phenomena at certain times of the year, and just like thunderstorms, a good understanding of them will go a long way in helping you to plan your flight, and of course, keep you safe.
Let’s start with a brain jiggle – if the actual outside air temperature (OAT) differs from the ISA for the particular altitude or flight level that you are at, then this will affect your aircraft’s performance…
it is important to understand the requirements, with regards to distance from clouds, not just to stay in the legal limits if you are VFR, but to ensure the safety of your flight. Understanding the difference between cloud base and cloud ceiling seems a challenge, but it actually isn’t!
You are coming in for a landing, seem to be holding that perfect 3° glide slope and your speed is spot on. Then without warning, your indicated airspeed shows a significant decrease even though you are well-trimmed for straight and level – what on earth is going on, you might wonder?
Ever thought that the ground looks closer even though your altimeter is still reading the same altitude? We look at how a temperature change will affect your flight and how to correct for it.
