Indicated Altitude
Indicated altitude refers to the altitude reading directly displayed on an aircraft’s altimeter after it has been set to the current altimeter setting. This value is not yet corrected for atmospheric pressure variations and other altitude correction factors.
The indicated altitude is often used as a reference point for pilots to adjust their aircraft’s altitude according to their flight plan and air traffic control instructions. However, the indicated altitude may not always accurately reflect the true vertical distance between the aircraft and the Earth’s surface due to atmospheric pressure changes, which can cause the altimeter to read higher or lower than the actual altitude.
Therefore, it is imperative for pilots to constantly monitor their aircraft’s indicated altitude and adjust it accordingly to overcome any discrepancies caused by changing weather and atmospheric conditions. In addition to indicated altitude, pilots also use true altitude, pressure altitude, and density altitude to accurately determine their precise location in mid-air.
« Back to Glossary Index