ENR 1.7  ALTIMETER SETTING PROCEDURES

1.   Introduction

The altimeter setting procedures in use generally conform to those contained in ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services - Aircraft Operations (ICAO Doc 8168, OPS/611 (PANS-OPS)) Vol. I. Part III. Section 1.

These procedures are applied to all IFR and VFR flights operating within the Budapest FIR.

The atmospheric pressure is measured in accordance with ICAO Annex 3 Chapter 4, paragraph 4.11.

QNH and QFE values are computed in tenths of a hectopascal (hPa). On pilots' request it may be given in millimetres and tenths.

In routine reports disseminated at the aerodrome, QNH is included regularly while QFE is available on request from ATS units.

The values are rounded to the nearest lower whole hectopascal. For example, QNH 995.6 hPa is given as “QNH 995".

In plain language reports ((ATIS and VOLMET) broadcast), the unit of measurement (hPa) is omitted.

2.   Basic altimeter setting procedures

2.1   General
2.1.1   Transition altitude

The transition altitude specified for the Budapest FIR is 10 000 FT (3 050 M).

2.1.2   Transition level

The transition level will be determined by the appropriate ATC unit so as to give a transition layer of at least 1000 FT (300 M) vertical separation above the transition altitude.

For determination of current transition level the following table is used.

Transition altitudeQNH hPaTransition level
FeetMeters
10 0003 0501013.3 and aboveFL110
1013.2 - 977.2FL120
977.1 and belowFL130

The transition level at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport is normally transmitted in the ATIS broadcast, or is advised in the clearances as appropriate.

2.2   Take-off and climb

The QNH value for the altimeter setting is normally transmitted in the ATIS broadcast, or is advised in start- up clearance as appropriate.

2.3   Vertical separation - en route
2.3.1   Terrain clearance
  1. The QNH altimeter setting and temperature information are included in routine reports for use in determining adequate terrain clearance. These data are transmitted normally in ATIS and VOLMET broadcasts and are also available on request from ATIS units.
  2. ATC units determine the lowest usable flight level for the whole of the part of the control area for which they are responsible, use it when assigning flight levels and pass it to pilots on request.

    Note: The objectives of the ATC services as prescribed in ICAO Annex 11, do not include the prevention of collision with terrain. The procedures prescribed above do not, therefore, relieve the pilots‘ of their responsibility of ensuring that any clearances issued by ATC units are safe in the respect, except when an IFR flight is vectored by radar.

  3. When vectoring an IFR flight, the radar controller shall ensure adequate terrain clearance at all times until the aircraft reaches the point at which the pilot will resume his/her own navigation.
2.4   Approach and landing
2.4.1  A QNH value is normally transmitted in the ATIS broadcast and/or is advised in approach clearances and/or in clearances to enter the traffic circuit, as appropriate.
2.4.2  A QFE value - clearly identified as such - is available on pilots' request in approach and landing clearances.

The QFE value given in clearances of ATC units shall be related to the threshold elevation of the runway in use.

E.g.: QUEBEC - FOXTROT - ECHO FOR RUNWAY THREE - ONE - RIGHT IS NINER - NINER - TWO

Note: This does not preclude the use of the QFE altimeter setting by a pilot for terrain clearance purposes during the final approach.

2.4.3  The vertical positioning of aircraft during descent is controlled by reference to flight level until the Transition Level is reached, below which vertical positioning is controlled by reference to altitude.
2.4.4  The transition level shall be transmitted to ACFT on approach/descent before it is reached through air-ground voice communication, ATIS or datalink.

3.   Description of altimeter setting region(s)

The QNH value determined for Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport is used as the “regional QNH” within the Budapest FIR.

The “local QNH” values are used within CTR and TIZ airspaces.

4.   Procedures applicable to operators (including pilots)

NIL

5.   Table of Cruising levels