Aviation & Aeronautics
Basic

Pressure Altitude

Altitude referenced to standard pressure; correct field elevation for the altimeter setting.

Formula

PA=(29.92−QNH)×1000+hPA = (29.92 - QNH)\times 1000 + h

Variables

PAPressure altitude (ft)
QNHAltimeter setting (inHg)
hField elevation (ft)

Example

QNH 29.42, field 1000 ft: PA = 1500 ft

Did You Know?

Set the altimeter to 29.92 inHg and it reads pressure altitude — the common reference for all high-flying traffic.

altitudepressurealtimeter