Originally Posted by
Flyingmac
I can't for the life of me, see why anyone would PREFER to fly a circuit with reference to sea level . Maybe they just like to complicate matters.
Because (as has been mentioned several times now), at many locations, it's physically impossible to even set QFE on the altimeter.
I toured down France last week to Cannes and never heard QFE mentioned once. It does seem to be a very British thing.
Also, when landing back at my home base, there often is no radio, so the circuit would need to be done based on QNH - I found it easier to ditch QFE because it adds a layer of inconsistency.
Two very active airfields close by. I call one up for their QFE to ensure I'm above their circuit height.
You talk about over complicating things - surely it would be easier to just add the AD height to your current altitude rather than making a radio call and temporarily resetting your altimeter?