Absolute Altitude Airplanes True Altitude 
Thrust Flight
DECEMBER 4, 2024
The earthbound among us have a very black-and-white view of altitude. It’s just how high the airplane is flying, right? There’s true altitude, indicated altitude, and absolute altitude! Well, pilots know there’s a lot more to that story!
Flight Training Central
APRIL 8, 2024
Altimeter setting is the value to which the barometric pressure scale of the altimeter is set so the altimeter indicates absolute altitude at field elevation. calibrated altitude at field elevation. true altitude at field elevation. Air temperature lower than standard. Air temperature warmer than standard.
Pilot Institute
FEBRUARY 1, 2025
Key Takeaways Pilots use six altitude types: Indicated, True, Absolute, Pressure, Density, and Flight Levels. Indicated altitude shows the altimeter reading, while true altitude refers to height above MSL. Absolute altitude measures height above ground, which is critical during approaches and landings.
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