ICAO Cold Temp Error Table
Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:37 am
OK most of us don't fly in really COLD weather. But some pilots do. And if you're one, you likely already know about this table.
But for those of you who don't... or if you simply don't remember where you last saw that table... Here's a copy I hope you'll find useful.
Did you know that if you are flying in cold weather...and if you are shooting an approach....or running scud and hoping to miss that hill or radio-tower... did you know that the cold temperature will make your Altimeter in error? And did you know that you will be flying LOWER than your altimeter indicates?
How much lower? Well, at -10 degrees C...the error is 10%. That's TEN PER CENT!
What? That doesn't sound like much? Well, it means that if you think you're flying a nice, safe 1,000 feet ....in FACT you are ONE HUNDRED feet LOWER THAN YOU THINK!
I wonder how many pilots have smacked the ground on an object because they never considered these errors?
So, if you are shooting an ILS approach to 200' minimums adn the temperature in Nome is -40 C.... how much do you need to add to make up for the altimeter leading you LOWER because the temperature is LOWER than standard? Would you believe FIFTY FEET?
Here's a pdf file you can download to have a copy of the error tables for yourself.
Hope this helps avoid nasty surprises.
But for those of you who don't... or if you simply don't remember where you last saw that table... Here's a copy I hope you'll find useful.
Did you know that if you are flying in cold weather...and if you are shooting an approach....or running scud and hoping to miss that hill or radio-tower... did you know that the cold temperature will make your Altimeter in error? And did you know that you will be flying LOWER than your altimeter indicates?
How much lower? Well, at -10 degrees C...the error is 10%. That's TEN PER CENT!
What? That doesn't sound like much? Well, it means that if you think you're flying a nice, safe 1,000 feet ....in FACT you are ONE HUNDRED feet LOWER THAN YOU THINK!
I wonder how many pilots have smacked the ground on an object because they never considered these errors?
So, if you are shooting an ILS approach to 200' minimums adn the temperature in Nome is -40 C.... how much do you need to add to make up for the altimeter leading you LOWER because the temperature is LOWER than standard? Would you believe FIFTY FEET?
Here's a pdf file you can download to have a copy of the error tables for yourself.
Hope this helps avoid nasty surprises.