I'm Under so Much Pressure at Work! Highest Altimeter Setting...

HighFlyingA380

HighFlyingA380

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Display name:
Jim F.
Over Northern Iowa today (IIRC with ZAU) I was issued 30.89. Definitely the highest I've gotten. Shortly later, I heard the controller issue 31.00 to somebody. I just wish I remembered which station that came from...
 
KSUX 071652Z 33018KT 10SM CLR M18/M24 A3107 RMK AO2 PK WND 33027/1627 SLP552 T11831239


Probably over western Iowa. KSUX hit 31.07 earlier today.
 
Probably over western Iowa. KSUX hit 31.07 earlier today.
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Every time I see it, I think to myself, that has to be the worst airport identifier ever.
 
Highest I've seen was 30.70 just three days ago in KLOU.
 
Holy crap. Ya'll are talking about SUX, and I just got an amended OpsSpec C070 and KSUX is now one of my approved airports. I like FOD; I'll sure keep an extra sharp eye out for debris when operating there...
 
Does 91.144 require that everybody just quit flying whenever the pressure exceeds 31.00?

Or does it only say that if the pressure exceeds 31.00 you should check for notams that might possibly say that nobody should fly?

I find it hard to believe that a Cub can't fly VFR at about 1000 or 2000 feet AGL on account of this.
 
NoHeat said:
Does 91.144 require that everybody just quit flying whenever the pressure exceeds 31.00?

Or does it only say that if the pressure exceeds 31.00 you should check for notams that might possibly say that nobody should fly?

I find it hard to believe that a Cub can't fly VFR at about 1000 or 2000 feet AGL on account of this.
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AIM 7-2-2
2. When the barometric pressure exceeds 31.00 inches Hg. The following procedures will be placed in effect by NOTAM defining the geographic area affected: (a) For all aircraft. Set 31.00 inches for en route operations below 18,000 feet MSL. Maintain this setting until beyond the affected area or until reaching final approach segment. At the beginning of the final approach segment, the current altimeter setting will be set, if possible. If not possible, 31.00 inches will remain set throughout the approach. Aircraft on departure or missed approach will set 31.00 inches prior to reaching any mandatory/crossing altitude or 1,500 feet AGL, whichever is lower. (Air traffic control will issue actual altimeter settings and advise pilots to set 31.00 inches in their altimeters for en route operations below 18,000 feet MSL in affected areas.)
...
(d) For aircraft operating VFR, there are no additional restrictions, however, extra diligence in flight planning and in operating in these conditions is essential.
...
(f) For aircraft operating IFR and unable to set the current altimeter setting, the following restrictions apply:
(1) To determine the suitability of departure alternate airports, destination airports, and destination alternate airports, increase ceiling requirements by 100 feet and visibility requirements by 1/4 statute mile for each 1/10 of an inch of Hg., or any portion thereof, over 31.00 inches. These adjusted values are then applied in accordance with the requirements of the applicable operating regulations and operations specifications.
EXAMPLE-
Destination altimeter is 31.28 inches, ILS DH 250 feet (200-1/2). When flight planning, add 300-3/4 to the weather requirements which would become 500-11/4.
(2) On approach, 31.00 inches will remain set. Decision height (DH) or minimum descent altitude must be deemed to have been reached when the published altitude is displayed on the altimeter.
NOTE-
Although visibility is normally the limiting factor on an approach, pilots should be aware that when reaching DH the aircraft will be higher than indicated. Using the example above the aircraft would be approximately 300 feet higher.
 
To answer my own question, AIM 7.2.2 clarifies this. There might be NOTAMS. VFR flight is not much affected. IFR approach minimums might be raised. etc. But in general, you can still fly.
 
NoHeat said:
Does 91.144 require that everybody just quit flying whenever the pressure exceeds 31.00?

Or does it only say that if the pressure exceeds 31.00 you should check for notams that might possibly say that nobody should fly?

I find it hard to believe that a Cub can't fly VFR at about 1000 or 2000 feet AGL on account of this.
Click to expand...

It's not really a big issue, IIRC it says set your altimeter and be careful. At 31.00+ you will be severe clear able to accept VFR below FL180.
 
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