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Pressure Altitude Calculator

Pressure Altitude Formula:

\[ \text{Pressure Altitude} = (1013.25 - P) \times 30 \]

hPa

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1. What is Pressure Altitude?

Definition: Pressure altitude is the altitude in the standard atmosphere where the pressure equals the measured pressure. It's an important concept in aviation.

Purpose: Pilots use pressure altitude to determine aircraft performance, true altitude, and for flight level calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Pressure Altitude} = (1013.25 - P) \times 30 \]

Where:

Explanation: The difference between standard pressure and measured pressure is multiplied by 30 to get an approximate pressure altitude in feet.

3. Importance of Pressure Altitude

Details: Pressure altitude is crucial for aircraft performance calculations, determining density altitude, and ensuring proper altitude separation between aircraft.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current atmospheric pressure in hectopascals (hPa). The calculator will provide the approximate pressure altitude in feet.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 1013.25 hPa as the standard?
A: This is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level in the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) model.

Q2: How accurate is this approximation?
A: This is a simplified formula. For precise calculations, especially in aviation, more complex formulas accounting for temperature are used.

Q3: What's a typical pressure at sea level?
A: While 1013.25 hPa is standard, actual pressure typically ranges between 980-1040 hPa at sea level.

Q4: When would pressure altitude equal true altitude?
A: When the actual atmospheric pressure equals the standard pressure for that altitude.

Q5: How does this relate to density altitude?
A: Pressure altitude is one component of density altitude, which also considers temperature deviations from standard.

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