Altimeter settings: QNH versus QFE

Just another point in this discussion: when I look at an approach map of
an airfield, the pattern altitude is expressed as a height above
ground. To me, this means the easiest way of complying is to fly QFE
when entering the pattern (no mathematics needed) - providing of course
you can get the necessary information.

If you want to fly QNH, pattern altitudes should be expressed AMSL.

By the way, here in Europe (except UK, of course) glider altimeters are
in meters, not feet, thereby conforming to ICAO annex 5 whose purpose
it is to standardize units of measurement to the ISU. As the approach
maps (and other aviation maps) usually are in feet, we already have to
make computations anyhow.

It's high time we got rid of feet, knots and nautical miles! Their only
real purpose in aviation seems to be to make it more difficult to get a
pilot's licence, as you have to adjust to a new set of units. (Yes, I
know there are certain countries where they like to use outdated unit
systems. I also know the classical arguments like "a nautical mile
equals a minute of latitude", but how often do you fly true north or
south?)


--
stephanevdv
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