Originally Posted by
unfazed
Changing from QNH to QFE on the approach = room for pilot error in mis setting numbers
Missed approach QFE back to QNH = more chance of "finger trouble" and increased workload / distraction
Alternative = Set QNH and fly to the approach plate QNH decision height or DA.
This comes down to doing one of two simple things. Either do a bit of mental arithmetic and alter your Altimeter accordingly, or listen to a radio transmission and alter your Altimeter accordingly.
It is not only in the circuit that you are required to alter the subscale setting. If you do a MATZ penetration your clearance will include, for example, 'Fly at 1500 feet on the Waddington QFE' this requires you to reset your altimeter, when you are busy navigating, planning, listening, looking, flying etc etc etc. Anyone who feels they may not be able to do that successfully or have 'finger trouble' maybe shouldnt be up there. Compared to some of the other stuff we need to do correctly, a subscale change is a fairly minor 'procedure'.
In the military they taught us L.O.I. Limitation - Operation - Indication. That means when you operate something, switch, lever, altimeter, whatever - you should do it. Then CHECK its correct!
NB: Incidentally the MATZ/QFE thing is in one of the airlaw exams!
Having said that my personal preference is for QFE. I know there are other procedures in other places but in the UK we have QFE and you can always access the information if you have radio contact with the field. In high places, winding several thousand feet off the altimiter is both a pain and an unnecessary distraction but in the UK its never very much. Furthermore, when you have altered it you can immediately check whether you were correct (LOI) not so easy with mental arithmetic!
Anyway, my two pennys now inserted I'll B
R off and go flying!
regards
N/S