Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 511 of 934

An airplane flies from a low pressure area to a high pressure area. The pilot does not change the altimeter setting. What is true?

  1. The actual altitude is higher than indicated
  2. The actual altitude is lower than indicated
  3. The actual altitude equals the indicated altitude
  4. The altimeter reads the pressure altitude
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Correct answer: The actual altitude is higher than indicated

The altimeter shows a lower altitude than the real one.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Altimeter — Effect of Nonstandard Pressure and Temperature, page 206

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026