Transition Level: What It Is, Why It Important And How YOU Can Calculate The TL.

The Transition Level (TL) is the point where you need to change your altimeter setting from the standard 1013 hpa to the local QNH.
By the end of this video, you will know what the TL is, why it is important and how can you calculate the Transition Level.
When you fly above the Transition Level you must fly using the FLIGHT LEVELs, and when flying below the TL you must fly altitudes.
Why does it work in this way?
When the terrain is no longer a factor and you fly above the transition altitude, you use the standard 1013hpa as a reference in your altimeter in order to maintain the separation with other traffics.
This guarantees that all the Aircrafts flying above the transition altitude use the same pressure reference.
But once you get close to the ground you want to use the pressure at the mean sea level as a reference in order to maintain the separation with the traffic and also with the terrain (The top of the elevation of the mountains are taken from the mean sea level).
So the Transition Level gives you the exact Flight Level at which you have to change the altimeter setting from the 1013hpa to the local qnh.
The TL is reported on the ATIS or by the Air Traffic Controller.
To watch the Transition Altitude Video watch the following:
• Altimeter Setting - [T...
To understand how does the Altimeter Pressure references work watch the below video:
• QNH, QFE and QNE - [A...
Standard Atmosphere Video:
• ISA Atmosphere - Inter...
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==============================================================
Disclaimer:
THIS VIDEO IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
NOT FOR REAL-LIFE OPERATIONS.
PLEASE REFER TO THE OFFICIAL MANUAL AND DOCUMENTATION.
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[@shafiahmedzai1553]

Thank you so much for the video.

[@filippgrigoruk9758]

Hey, I'm a ULM pilot student. I want to thank you for the videos that help me a lot because in the ppl BAFA books is not always the nice explanation. Thank you very, mutch.

[@PILOTCLIMB]

I'm glad the videos are helping you!! You are very welcome

[@akis7172]

Awesome!!!Thank you captain!!!

[@PILOTCLIMB]

You are more than welcome!!

[@dawermufied7334]

Perfectly explained. Thank you Captain 👨‍✈️

[@PILOTCLIMB]

You are very welcome!!

[@steffenleo5997]

Very good explained Capt... Thank you for this excellent video... 👍👍👍

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Many thanks for watching and the comment!! I'm glad you liked the video! Don't hesitate to ask me any questions you might have! Have a great day

[@anfisavasilisa]

Great video! Thanks a lot!!!

[@PILOTCLIMB]

You are very welcome!!

[@dollymhlongo416]

Lovely.. very informative.. enjoyed it all the way from South Africa.

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Hey, many thaks for watching!! Nice to see you are watching from South Africa!! Welcome on board!!!

[@BK-it6te]

My friend you missed out the Magnetic track 000 -179 and 180 - 359 and one hPa is 30 foot for your information

[@mrkreza4339]

Very helpful.. thank you very much.. can you describe different types of airspace classification??

[@PILOTCLIMB]

I'm glad to see you liked the video!!! I will take your request into consideration for a future video!! In the meantime check this content out.. I talked about Airspace classes inside this video👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmTUeoSKfJlroLc Let me know if you have any questions..

[@felixabualbert]

great

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Thanks for watching!

[@friendly2353]

Hi, thanks for the video. Great source to refresh. What exactly happens if we do not update TL in FMS, if that which is set on FMS differs from real one on that day. Thanks.

[@PILOTCLIMB]

You are welcome! Nothing major will happen.. the pressure reference will blink at the level you set on the FMC

[@yosefjabbour6530]

Hi pilotclimb hope you are good...will ya be able to fo a video to answer my 22 intresting questions?

[@PILOTCLIMB]

I'll take your request into consideration for a future content

[@KimPaisley]

1. How are AMSL terrain elevations determined for aeronautical charts? 2. As the QNH-MSL reference pressure changes with local weather conditions, how can we know with certainty what our QNH-based altitude is relative to the published terrain altitude? (Maybe for this day our local QNH pressure-based altimeter reading of 6000 feet does not directly match the 6000’ ASL published mountain elevation??

[@yosefjabbour6530]

Hi hope you are good. I have a big list of interesting question for you pilot. Answer as much as you wish… 1. Who gives use trans level when it varies (atc , atis ,,any others) 2. Trans alt is fixed for countries . How do they calculate it ? 3. What is the maximum thickness of transition layer. (the answer should highlight the importance of having the layer and not only 1 level reference but a layer...) 4.What are Common trans alt for some countries 5. Transition layer only climb and descent we never cruise there.Its not common for atc to say maintain FL or atltitude inside transition layer ( but if they ask maintain we should maintain... )but my question is that they ususally dont cruise there true... since we wanna climb and descend . And if controller said maintain a flight level or altitude in between the layer… it would be risk if no horizontal separation of aircraft also it would be risk if airclafy arf flying or descending around it true… 6.Why don’t all countries have the same transition altitude. 7. Is there a benefit of decreasing this transition altitude .I mean in Lebanon transition altitude is 13,000 ft while in germny transition altitude is around 5,000 ft. 8.Can we have sps standard pressure system 1013 hpa =qne at local conditions = qnh is it possible? 9.Whats if passing throght a surface inversion ? wouldn’t local presuure change.. would atc know or atis know if a surface inversion suddenly happened... 10.How many times do we usually change qnh : local pressure while climbing? While descending? 11.Who uses qfe the field of the pressure ? Russia? Airshows close close to the ground or even sometimes airlines to cross check things? 12.How is transition altitude determined? ( also note that Denali Mountain in USA is higher than trasn alt 18,000ft) (hmm i though trans alt should be clear of all obstacles) 13.What about the horizontal and vertical separation in transition layer? How is this done? Do different countries have different regulations and procedures for this? 14.What if it’s a busy airport like London heathrew airport and trans alt is low maybe I belive it's 3,000 ft . 15.1013.25 or 1013? Doesn’t it make a difference? Cant this rounding cause errors or accidents? 16.What is the relation between 1hpa = 27 ft around 9m …Is this number always constant ... shouldn't it vary with temperature or pressure? 17.If its foggy isn’t qfe field pressure better than qnh local pressure … also can you land if its extremely foggy and cant see anything? 18.There is an instrument in cockpit called radio altimeter (I n cat 2 or 3 ils) that works below 2,500 ft maybe that reads height (above that its doenst show )....it shows only in cat 2 or 3 but does it need the pressure as well? 19.What are rounded to 1000 ft and what are rounded to 500 ft ( trans alt and trans level) 20.How do you find qnh if you don’t have a control tower or traffic? 21.Do some counties have a fixed transition level ? 21.What if a country has many airports? Do they all have the same trans alt? same trans level ? hmm? 22.While descending some pilots put qnh long before reaching transition level ? hmm ?why? isn't this risk? Or im mistaken they apply qnh at tranition level ?

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Great questions, most probably in the future I'll do a video answering your questions

[@yosefjabbour6530]

@@PILOTCLIMB if u want try to answer as many questions as possible as you can instead og doing a video✈❣💪🏼🤘🏻👍🏼🙌🏻😇

[@ahmedsmart1120]

Hello Captain Gabriele, Thank you very much for explaning this topic. I didn t know that calculating the Transition Level is so easy. And thank you for the table. But...i have a few questions. Why do some airports have fixed transition Alt and Trans Level values, and other not? For example: 1) In Germany and France the Trans Alt is always 5000ft and Trans Level is by atc. 2) In USA both, Trans Alt and Trans Level are at 18000ft. 3) In Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, the Trans Alt is always 13000ft and Trans Level is always FL150. In Morocco the Trans Level is also by atc, but Oujda-Angad, GMFO has 7000ft Trans Alt Marrakech Menara, GMMX has 6000ft TA Casablanca, GMMN has 4000ft TA Laayoune, GMML has 3500ft TA Agadir GMAD has 5000ft TA. So why countries and airports have own regulations and why is there no same standard? You said that the Trans Level if it would be FL63, it has to be rounded up to FL65. Do you know if there are airports existing which require very accurate entries of the TL like FL63? I mean it would be no problem to do that as you can enter that value into the FMC. Thank you!

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Hey, many thanks for your comment and for watching the Transition Level video. The procedures used to calculate the TL depends on the country, some country make it very easy taking the highest obstacle that is present in a vast area in order to calculate the Transition Altitude and Level, others calculate it zone by zone, it really depends on them. I have never seen a Transition Lavel that is not '' standard'' like the TL 63...always 500 feet in 500 feet. Yes you are right it would be easy, however it might create confusion with other ATC instructions, such as, heading vectors. Always remember that, depending on the plane, even if you enter the Transition Level on the FMC you still fisically have to change your altimeter setting on your altimeter once passing the TL. Let me know if I answered your questions!! Have a great day Gabriele Pilotclimb

[@vfx7t]

QNH ; Natural Horizon QNE , Natural Earth QFE ; Field elevation ;))

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Good one!

[@vfx7t]

@@PILOTCLIMB Thank you Sir 😇

[@yosefjabbour6530]

Hi pilot, i wanna ask you whybhave something called the the transitiona layer which ia between transition altitude andbtransition kevel. I find it usesless... I understood from where it came but i find it sencless... Why cantvwe say fix a level and thatblevelmis what separates qnh from sps or reverse... Why need a tranaition layer...

[@PILOTCLIMB]

The Transition layer gives some space to change from QNH to 1013

[@yosefjabbour6530]

@@PILOTCLIMB gives some space to change from qnh to 1013 or the reverse true, 1013 to qnh going down... I also many ask isnt in USA the transition level - transition altitude = 18,000 ...how come no tranition layer?

[@stiiiviii1723]

Hi, nice video! I must ask you a question, because I don't understand one thing. I'll be talking about LFBO. Current QNH is 1020hPa, T.A. is 5 000ft. By my calculations using your chart in the video TL should be FL50, but the TL is actually FL60. Why? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Hey many thanks for your support!! So, the table used in the video is the '' generic'' transition level calculator table. In order to see why the TL is 60 at LFBO you should check what Transition Leyer they are using, some countries use a different Transition Leyer to calculate the Transition Level from the Transition Altitude. Try to see if you find what transition Leyer they use in LFBO and than let me know 👍👍 I wish you a great day Gabriele Pilotclimb

[@SyNguyen-yy9sd]

Hey captain. Is local QNH a fixed number or a changeable value depending on the day?

[@PILOTCLIMB]

It changes. Thanks for watching

[@SyNguyen-yy9sd]

@@PILOTCLIMB very helpful of your channel to aviation students. I have been already a big fan of u since u replied me. Keep replying your audience, u will gain a lot of fans

[@giacomo1287]

Hi there! Could please explain to me what's the difference between PA(pressure altitude), IA(indicate altitude) and TA(true altitude)? Thanks! Greetings from Italy :)

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Hey Giacomo, I hope you are doing great! Thanks for watching! 1, The PA is vertical difference expressed in feet from the standard isobar of 1013.25hpa and your aircraft. I made a video about PA, this is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfQoH1op7Z8fZo 2. The Indicated altitude is the Altitude that you see in the altimeter on board of your aircraft. It is difference from the true altitude because the Altimeter has some instrument errors. 3. The True Altitude is the REAL vertical difference between the mean sea level and your plane. I made a separate videos where I talk about altitudes, heights, flight level and so on. Don't hesitate to check them out on the channel. Let me know if I answered your questions!! Have a great day Gabriele

[@giacomo1287]

@@PILOTCLIMB ok, so if I understood, during the flight I don't need too much the TA because, during the takeoff and landing I set QNH eg. from the Metar of the a/p and during the climb I use FL. So I could use the TA during the planning? Thanks again and Happy new year!

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Hello, well you need to fly Altitudes (using the QNH as a pressure reference) when below the Transition Altitude. Than once above the Transition Altitude you will set the 1013hpa and fly Flight levels that is used throughout your climb, cruise and descend untill yiu reach the Transition Level where you switch again to QNH and fly Altitudes. Check the Video about Transition Altitude and the video about the transition level. I'm sure you will see it clearly. Let me know after watching the videos mentioned if you have still questions. Have a great day Pilotclimb

[@leonegentile6081]

Hello Capt. Gabriele, I have a question for you : I use X-Plane 11 and fly the 737-800, I usually get the Transition Altitude on the FMC based on where I'm with the GPS and what Departure I set into it. The problem is, when I descend from Flight Levels and the ATC tells me the Transition Level, the PFD still tells me to use the STD (amber color) because it uses as a reference the T.A. of the region I'm flying in. Can I switch from STD to QNH simply by pressing the STD button on the EFIS? Even though my T.L. is different from what the FMC expects? Grazie mille in anticipo! P.S. I love your videos, if you haven't done it yet you could upload a video about the TCAS, how it works and what are the buttons specifically for the 737-800 😊. Greetings from Italy, I'm a big fan.

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Hey!! I'm very happy to see that you enjoying the Training Content! That's great!! now, yes you can do it! If the QNH or STD remain amber after you change the altimeter pressure reference you need to change the TL or TA value on the FMC and you will be great!!👍

[@leonegentile6081]

@@PILOTCLIMB Thx Gabriele :) I have a problem doing that, if I press Init Ref button on the FMC while descending, it gives me the VREF speeds and the runway length /heading and frequencies set on NAV, Transition Altitude disappears 😢 Great answer however, have a great day

[@PILOTCLIMB]

No problem, when flying try to push DESC and then FORECAST.. You should find it in there...

[@leonegentile6081]

@@PILOTCLIMB I have the new version of the FMC so the DESC button is not there any longer... I'll have to find it using the menu, I'll let you know if I can solve the problem 😊 Thanks for your time

[@leonegentile6081]

@@PILOTCLIMB You were right 😁 I pushed the VNAV button on the FMC and I went to the final page 3/3 ECON PATH DES, then I selected Forecast and there it was "Trans Lvl". I noticed that if I input 7000,8000 or even FL70 FL80 it says invalid entry, then I realized that I just need to input the first two digits i.e. (Transition Level FL70 you need to input just 70 and it will accept it😊) Thx captain, see you at the next video.

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Comment below with your questions and thoghts! Happy Landings...

[@272469156]

Hi pilot climb. I am an aerospace engineering, I would like to connect with you to share knowledge

[@piyushsingh1985]

it's like one of those explanations which people think are trivial but actually, they are not, the devil lies in the details.

[@PILOTCLIMB]

Many thanks for watching!