Termify logo Protermify Aviation Aviation English glossary built for pilots, ATC teams, cabin crew and aviation students.

Basic ATC

Altimeter setting

The value to which the scale of a pressure altimeter is set so as to indicate elevation or height. In ATC phraseology, this typically refers to the current QNH for a given location.

Quick answer: The value to which the scale of a pressure altimeter is set so as to indicate elevation or height. In ATC phraseology, this typically refers to the current QNH for a given location.

This term page is part of the Protermify Aviation glossary and is published as static HTML for fast indexing and clear language coverage.

Languages

ArabicDeutschEnglishEspanolFrancaisHindiBahasa IndonesiaItalianoJapanesePortuguesRusskiyThaiTurkceVietnameseZhongwen

Quick answer

The value to which the scale of a pressure altimeter is set so as to indicate elevation or height. In ATC phraseology, this typically refers to the current QNH for a given location.

Why it matters

Altimeter setting matters because it supports clear communication in Basic ATC contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

This page is rendered as static HTML from source-backed terminology data so search engines and AI systems can parse the content without client-side code.

Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is Altimeter setting?

In this glossary, Altimeter setting refers to: The value to which the scale of a pressure altimeter is set so as to indicate elevation or height. In ATC phraseology, this typically refers to the current QNH for a given location.

How is Altimeter setting used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Approach: Delta 432, altimeter setting 1013, descend and maintain 3000 feet."

Why does Altimeter setting matter in aviation?

Altimeter setting matters because it supports clear communication in Basic ATC contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses Altimeter setting?

Altimeter setting is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does Altimeter setting belong to?

In this glossary, Altimeter setting is grouped under Basic ATC. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

The value to which the scale of a pressure altimeter is set so as to indicate elevation or height. In ATC phraseology, this typically refers to the current QNH for a given location.

Operational example

Approach: Delta 432, altimeter setting 1013, descend and maintain 3000 feet.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Basic ATC

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

Use the related links below to continue through connected aviation terminology.

Back to glossary