ENR 1.7  Altimeter setting procedures

1  Introduction

Altimeter setting procedures based on ICAO Doc 8168, Vol. III, Section 2 are given below together with associated procedures and information.

2  Basic procedures

2.1  General

Information on altimeter settings (QNH or QFE on request) and on transition level will be given on routine basis by the appropriate air traffic services unit to meet operational requirements during take-off, climb out, approach and landing.

2.2  Altimeter setting region

There are three altimeter setting regions in Georgia:

  1. Tbilisi TMA with transition altitude at 11000 FT and fixed transition level at FL130;
  2. Kutaisi TMA with transition altitude at 7000 FT and fixed transition level at FL90;
  3. Batumi TMA with transition altitude at 7000 FT and fixed transition level at FL90.
2.3  Terrain Clearance-Information on QNH values

To determine terrain clearance the QNH values from the reporting station nearest to the position of the aircraft shall be used. For this purpose QNH values are available from all controlled aerodromes.

Note. – Information mentioned above will not necessarily be available on a 24 hours basis. This depends on the hours of service for the unit providing such information.

2.4  Altimeter setting procedure for flights conducted outside controlled airspace

The vertical position of aircraft outside controlled airspace shall be expressed:

  1. for IFR flights: in terms of flight levels according to the magnetic track (see Table of cruising levels - Para 2.7);
  2. for VFR flights:
  • when conducted above 3000 FT MSL or 1000 FT AGL, whichever value is greater, in terms of flight levels according of the magnetic track (see Table of cruising levels - Para 2.7);
  • when conducted at 3000 FT MSL or below 1000 FT AGL, whichever value is greater, in terms of altitude in which case the QNH altimeter setting value of the region considered shall be used.
2.5  Altimeter setting procedure for flights conducted within controlled airspace
2.5.1   IFR flights

Transition from flight levels to altitudes and vice versa. The vertical position of aircraft when at or below the transition attitude shall be expressed in terms of altitude, whereas such position at or above the transition level shall be expressed in terms of flight levels. While passing through the transition layer, vertical position shall be expressed in terms of flight levels when climbing and in terms of altitude when descending.

2.5.2   QNH

The QNH will be transmitted unasked to arriving and departing aircraft.

2.5.3  En-route

While flying on international airways within the airspace in which Georgia bears the responsibility of ATS, vertical separation is provided in accordance with the requirements given in Para 2.2 and Para 2.7.

2.5.4  Missed approach

The procedures in Para 2.5.1 shall be applied in the event of a missed approach.

2.6   VFR flights

When the flights are conducted within a terminal control area or a control zone, the vertical position of aircraft shall be expressed:

  • in terms of altitudes at or below the transition altitude;
  • at and above the transition level, in terms of flight levels corresponding to the magnetic track (see Table of cruising levels - Para 2.7).

When the flights are conducted on an airway, the vertical position of aircraft shall be expressed:

  • in terms of altitude at 3000 FT MSL or below 1000 FT AGL, whichever value is greater;
  • above 3000 FT MSL or 1000 FT AGL, whichever value is greater, in terms of flight levels corresponding to the magnetic track (see Table of cruising levels - Para 2.7).
2.7  Tables of cruising levels
MAGNETIC TRACK
000° — 179° 180° — 359°
IFR Flights VFR Flights IFR Flights VFR Flights
FL Feet FL Feet FL Feet FL Feet
30 3000 35 3500 40 4000 45 4500
50 5000 55 5500 60 6000 65 6500
70 7000 75 7500 80 8000 85 8500
90 9000 95 9500 100 10000 105 10500
110 11000 115 11500 120 12000 125 12500
130 13000 135 13500 140 14000 145 14500
150 15000 155 15500 160 16000 165 16500
170 17000 175 17500 180 18000 185 18500
190 19000 195 19500 200 20000 205 20500
210 21000 215 21500 220 22000 225 22500
230 23000 235 23500 240 24000 245 24500
250 25000 255 25500 260 26000 265 26500
270 27000 275 27500 280 28000 285 28500
290 29000 300 30000
310 31000 320 32000
330 33000 340 34000
350 35000 360 36000
370 37000 380 38000
390 39000 400 40000
410 41000 430 43000
450 45000 470 47000
490 49000 510 51000
530 53000 550 55000
etc. etc.

3  Procedures applicable to operators (including pilots)

3.1  Flight planning

The levels at which a flight is to be conducted shall be specified in the flight plan. The flight level on route section in which responsibility for air traffic service rests with Georgia shall be expressed in the following manner:

  • in terms of flight levels if the flight is to be conducted at or above the transition level, and
  • in terms of altitude if the flight is to be conducted in the terminal area or the control zone at or below the transition altitude.

4  Special procedures regarding departures with military fighter aircraft

Military fighter aircraft taking off in formation under instrument meteorological conditions shall change the altimeter setting from the QNH value of the aerodrome to 1013.2 HPA (760 mm mercury) as soon as possible after passing the transition altitude provided such change will not constitute a risk for loss of visual contact between the elements in the formation. In case when an altimeter with the feet-scale is not installed on board a military fighter aircraft, a table for converting feet into meters shall be available in the cockpit.