PLT019: Pressure Altitude
What code PLT019 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Pressure Altitude before your checkride.
Calculate pressure altitude
What this means for your checkride
Pressure altitude is the altitude read when the altimeter is set to the standard 29.92 inches of mercury. It is the height above the standard datum plane and is the starting point for computing density altitude and for entering performance charts.
Performance charts are entered with pressure altitude, so the FAA tests whether you can find it, by setting 29.92 or applying a correction to field elevation.
Pilots confuse pressure altitude with indicated or true altitude. Only with 29.92 set, or the correct correction applied, do you get the pressure altitude the charts need.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.