MSL AGL QFE QNH | Altitudes For Aviators | Aviation Explained

While on my journey to learn the mysteries of aviation I came across a lot of explanations for the different altitudes used by pilots. But none of them really cleared it up for me. It took a lot of research on my part to finally get it. There are others out there on the same journey and I thought I would help them out by sharing what I've learned.
00:25 True Altitude (MSL)
00:48 Absolute Altitude (AGL)
01:58 International Standard Atmosphere (ISA)
02:26 Pressure Altitude
03:16 Density Altitude
04:08 QNH
04:30 QFE
05:12 Flight Level
End credits music by zakharvalaha from Pixabay: (pixabay.com/music/beats-ambie...)

[@AIRWARFAREGROUP]

I feel like I was attending an actual and professional military pilot briefing...thanks Mike!

[@OLIV3R_YT]

Do you know if adjusting QNH/QFE is possible in DCS?

[@ironeaglesflight]

@@OLIV3R_YT It is possible. ATC most likely will give you a QFE in DCS. In the Mission Editor you set the local QNH in the weather settings.

[@yurgon15723]

Excellent video and great explanation! One thing that took me a long time to realize is that the words "altitude" and "height" carry a specific meaning in aviation; typically: height = aircraft's height above a specific reference point on the ground (usually an airport) altitude = aircraft's altitude above mean sea level elevation = terrain elevation above mean sea level My understanding is that an unqualified "altitude" is usually synonymous with "true altitude" as you described it. What follows from that is: When the altimeter is set to QNH, it will show the aircraft's (true) altitude. When the altimeter is set to QFE, it will show the aircraft's height over a specific reference point (usually an airport). Maybe this tidbit might be useful to some viewers. ;)

[@Alain_Escher]

In Europe you might see "QNE", which is the same as Flight Level (setting 1013/29.92 on the altimeter). Another tip: if you are looking at performance charts, and need to know your pressure altitude, just set 1013/29.92 on the altimeter... pressure altitue and flight level are the same (keeping things simple for DCS).

[@Jon885]

Just found your channel. GREAT Material! Thank you for putting this all together!

[@lankypilot778]

Brilliant! Literally was just was discussing I needed to get my head around all this today & then your vid popped up via AWG. Great explanation, thank you.

[@alexandrebini4688]

Amazing

[@TorniQuetHD]

Nicely done mate!! Love it

[@jackcooper6293]

Thank you! Always get messed up with QNA/QFE - video right for me)))

[@TheOpsCenterByMikeSolyom]

Glad it was helpful.

[@user-ji5ig7ns3j]

May I ask aquestion about When flying over specific area (on FIR EN ROUTE CHART) that have flight height restrictions such as “FL200/1200FT AGL” & “37000 SFC”means?

[@TheOpsCenterByMikeSolyom]

I'm going to take a wild guess you are talking about IFR charts. Those altitudes should refer to the upper and lower limit bands for a particular piece of airspace. So in the first example you gave it would be 1200 feet above the ground to 20,000 feet above sea level. And in the second example its from the surface (SFC) up to 37,000 feet. But everyone is free to correct me if I got those wrong.

[@user-ji5ig7ns3j]

Sorry for the typo, it’s IFR chart indeed! Now I understand why there’re two numbers in one zone. Really appreciate that👍🏻👍🏻

[@GinaBurlingham]

I wish pilots would just come on out and tell the world how LEVEL the PLANES of existence actually are.! The EARTH is obviously not a ball when a plane can fly at a set altitude for miles and miles and miles because of how all elements find their LEVEL.!!!! There is NO Coriolis effect affecting a plane's flight.!!!!! DUH.!!!!!!