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AerodynamicsQuestion 406 of 934

A pilot wants the pressure altitude. How can they get it from the altimeter?

  1. Set the altimeter to the field elevation and read it
  2. Add 1,000 feet to the field elevation for each 10 °C
  3. Set the altimeter to 29.92 and read the indicated altitude
  4. Set the local altimeter setting and read the altitude
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Correct answer: Set the altimeter to 29.92 and read the indicated altitude

With the barometric scale set to 29.92, the indicated altitude is the pressure altitude.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 4: Principles of Flight — Pressure Altitude, page 91

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026