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Altimeter

An altimeter or an altitude meter is an instrument used to measure the altitude of an object above a fixed level, it measures only the static pressure (Ps)  from a static port outside the aircraft.

Let's Learn How To Read The Altimeter

On the instrument there is the triangle head which represents 10,000 feet, the hour hand represents 1,000 feet and the minute hand represents 100 feet. There is a knob which is called the barometric scale use to set the specific pressure datum to indicate the correct altitude above sea level.

 

How Does It Work?

In aircraft, an aneroid barometer measures the atmospheric pressure from a static port outside the aircraft. As the aircraft ascends the capsule expands and the static pressure drops, causing the altimeter to indicate a higher altitude and as the aircraft descends the capsule contracts and the static pressure increases. 

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