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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 514 of 934

How is the altimeter setting defined?

  1. Pressure at the standard datum plane
  2. The pressure at the aircraft altitude
  3. Station pressure reduced to sea level
  4. The pressure at 18,000 feet
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Correct answer: Station pressure reduced to sea level

An altimeter setting is accurate only near the reporting station. The pilot must update it during the flight.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Altimeter — Setting the Altimeter, page 207

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026