This is one of these things that there really shouldn’t be an SOP on. The setting should be up to the Captain for his own requirements. For many ‘standby’ quality altimeters, setting 1013.2 won’t give you the same indication as the main altimeters because it’s not derived from a digital air data computer, and CERTAINLY won’t be accurate enough for RVSM compliance.
If you feel that standard is a good setting then fine, over the Pond there might not be anything better to set, but don’t read into it more than is there. Personally I prefer to have the lowest QNH over the route I’m flying, and Zurich, Salzburg, Barcelona QNH respectively in those areas where terrain is a factor.
A good dose of Commanders discretion required.
