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November 05, 2007
Subject: More on the altimeter
A glider/sailplane pilot heading out west to fly is going to need to be familar with the use of the altimeter in the MSL mode, setting the local barometer into the Kollsman window. The altimeter whether new or old will only adjust from 28.10 to 31.00. That range covers 2900' of pressure change. If your takeoff location is above that you can not set the altimeter to zero. It is beyond the adjustment range.
The altimeter has presented a variety of other issues over the years. One of the issues is that it is darned difficult to read quickly and accurately, especially if you are tired and very busy. Gross errors have resulted in misreading it by 10,000' and if you are in the clouds this becomes a very big problem while descending. The 3 needle display has been replaced by a single pointer display and a digital readout that is very easy to read. While you may be impressed with 5 knots up and distressed at 10 knots down in your glider; commercial jets climb and descend at several thousand feet per minute and fighters can climb out at over 30,000 feet per minute. Those needles are really hard to read during those conditions. Steve.
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