PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Why do the RAF still use QFE?
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Old 8th Sep 2009, 09:09
  #84 (permalink)  
HEDP
 
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I can understand the ease of QNH for AT on scheduled ops but spare a thought for the other users who perhaps have to fly more circuits at different airfields than perhaps your average GA user. Having different altitudes to remember for each element of a circuit can be a nightmare and lead to eyes in the cockpit at the wrong time IMHO whilst looking up the altitudes to be flown.

Imagine 3 airfields in relatively close proximity each with a different elevation. That's three different airfield altitudes to remember, three different crosswind/baseleg altitudes and three different downwind altitudes. Unless you have a cracking memory or are eyes in instead of eyes out in the circuit then a simple QFE change and a standard circuit seems somewhat easier and safer to achieve with eyes out at all times.

Horses for courses; AT/scheduled ops with no circuits then it matters not a lot, lots of circuits at different airfields and the majority mil user then QFE seems somewhat safer. Overall safer if a standard is used for all military then QFE wins hands down. Doesn't mean that anyone has a lesser understanding of using either QFE or QNH however.
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