It's likely as you read this that there are several aircraft around the world flying with mis-set or mis-read altimeters. Some pilots will have omitted to change from QNH to standard when climbing through transition, others the opposite during descent. Some will be reading altitude on QFE and others height on QNH, which may result in level busts or airspace violations. Some will have incorrectly converted feet to metres or vice versa.
In Europe the problem is compounded by low Transition Altitudes. Every time a deep low pressure weather system crosses the UK a Notam has to be issued to remind pilots to be vigilant in setting standard when climbing through TA to avoid traffic conflicts. Of course, in such weather turbulence and wind shear are more likely to be encountered, distracting crews from essential tasks (such as resetting altimeters) at this critical time.
The consequences of altimeter mis-sets or mis-reads will usually be limited to red faces when the error is discovered. But now and again . . .
Last edited by Discorde; 27th Sep 2017 at 11:58.
Reason: minor amendments