Transition level

UrbanFox

What is a transition level ?

Thanks.

highlydebased

The level where they change from the local QNH to the universal setting, 1013mb. Thats if they are climbing. Descendings is the opposite

The Transition level is different everywhere, here it varies. Usually around 6500/7000 feet. In the UK and US it can be as high as 18000feet

PhoenixRising

Neon-Circles wrote:

The level where they change from the local QNH to the universal setting, 1013mb. Thats if they are climbing. Descendings is the opposite

The Transition level is different everywhere, here it varies. Usually around 6500/7000 feet. In the UK and US it can be as high as 18000feet

Thats the Transition Altitude. Not the same as the Transition Level. The Transition Altitude is a set altitude below which, altitudes are flown with reference to local QNH, and above which Flight Levels are flown with reference to the standard QNH 1013 HPa.

The Transition Level is simply the lowest available flight level on a given day. The Transition Level varies as the local QNH changes. It is broadcast by ATC, usually in the ATIS.

Deacon Blues

ATC should reference height above the transition altitude by Flight Level, and below as feet. Doesn't always happen though.