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Old 18th September 2007 | 21:01
  #22 (permalink)  
BEagle
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Joined: May 1999
: ATP+Mil
Posts: 27,397
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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
Do grow up.

It is not unreasonable for pilots to be expected to adapt to local requirements. Such as using QFE on the approach or in the circuit at UK aerodromes.

The universal dumbing down to one-size-fits-all SOPs, whilst convenient for those unable to adapt to local methods, should NOT drive national standards.

I never found it terribly difficult to remember that:

In the US, 'altimeter' was invariably QNH below 18000ft.
At UK civil aerodromes, the approach was on QNH yet the UKAIP stated 'Descent from the FAF is normally on QFE'.
At UK military aerodromes, QFE is used for approach and circuit work.

All have their reasons. But those pilots who insist on flying on 'their' SOPs without regard for the normal SOPs at that aerodrome have little real excuse.

I once heard a KC135 crew nearly kill themselves. Arriving in the Honington CMATZ, they'd been told to set 99-something. This was the QFE in Mb, they thought it was the QNH in inches. Only when they saw buildings above them, did they realise their error.

QFE, if you can set it in the region where you're flying, is more natural - and safer.
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