C-29A Aircraft Altimeter Errors

Abstract

This report documents the results of a study initiated to solve problems with pressure altimeter errors (differences between indicated and true altitude) aboard Air Force C-29A flight inspection aircraft. A basic review of altimetry is provided, along with an explanation of how atmospheric changes affect barometric pressure and pressure altimeters. A method for in-flight correction of altimeter errors is provided, along with an appendix that gives monthly error statistics for the three C-29A working flight levels (1,000, 1, 500, and 2,000 feet above ground level). Although the results of this study are applicable only to Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, they can be considered generally representative of other stations with similar field elevations in the midwestern United States. USAFETAC has the ability to produce climatological altimeter error data for any location from which representative upper-air and surface observations are available.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA240486

Entities

People

  • William R. Schaub Jr.

Organizations

  • Air Force Technical Applications Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Air Masses
  • Air Temperature
  • Aircrafts
  • Altimeters
  • Altitude
  • Atmospheric Temperature
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Climate Change
  • Lapse Rate
  • Meteorology
  • Navigational Aids
  • Pressure Altimeters
  • Surface Temperature
  • Temperature Inversion
  • United States

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Geodesy