What is the tolerance for an Altimeter Setting Indicator at a precision approach facility?

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Multiple Choice

What is the tolerance for an Altimeter Setting Indicator at a precision approach facility?

Explanation:
Accuracy of the pressure setting used for altimeters on a precision approach must be very tight. The Altimeter Setting Indicator at a precision approach facility is allowed a tolerance of plus or minus 0.02 inches of mercury. This small margin helps ensure pilots’ altimeters read correctly during the critical approach and minimums phases. Remember, even a tiny pressure-setting error can translate into a noticeable altitude error—roughly about 20 feet per 0.02 inHg near sea level—which matters when flying precise approach procedures. The tighter 0.02 inHg standard is why the other, wider tolerances aren’t suitable in this context.

Accuracy of the pressure setting used for altimeters on a precision approach must be very tight. The Altimeter Setting Indicator at a precision approach facility is allowed a tolerance of plus or minus 0.02 inches of mercury. This small margin helps ensure pilots’ altimeters read correctly during the critical approach and minimums phases. Remember, even a tiny pressure-setting error can translate into a noticeable altitude error—roughly about 20 feet per 0.02 inHg near sea level—which matters when flying precise approach procedures. The tighter 0.02 inHg standard is why the other, wider tolerances aren’t suitable in this context.

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