A quick Air Law question i need an explanation for...

[Dr.Biggles]

Question from the Confuser;

The Transition Layer is defined as:

A - The layer between the transition level and the transition alititude
B - The layer between the transition altitute and the transition level
C - The layer between 3000ft altitude and the transition altitude
D - The layer between the transition altitude and the planned operating flight level

Now, i knew it was either A or B, however i thought this question was very poorly worded (or deceiving!).

Technically, you could argue, that both A and B are correct, right?

I "guessed" A and the answer was stated as B.

Obviousl i realise the format is:

Transition Level
Transition Layer
Transition Altitude

So are they basing their answer on the fact that the Transition Altitude is at the bottom of the model or what? Or is there a bigger picture i'm missing here?

Many Thanks!

[EK4457]

I would assume that there will be an official definition in your notes which will be answer (b). Don't ask too many qustions about it. Especially in Air Law.

On a side note, I think your reasoning is probably correct.

EK

[chris-squire]

There wil be a full explanation of this in your confuser and text books. I would strongly advise brushing up on that first.

Throughout the majority of the UK the Transition Altitude is set at 3000ft (QNH). The Transition Layer is 150ft and then you move into the Transition Level.

I learnt it by thinking: -

Transition Altitude = Vertical Position reported as Altitude.
Transition Layer = 150ft of space in between.
Transition Level = Vertical Position reported as Flight Level

Hope this helps but you really do need to read the explanation fully in the back of your confuser mate. It is basically a roundabout way of being asked to define the order of the three components. I understand what you mean though, the CAA papers are a pain in the arse to read. The exams would be half the length of time if someone with half a brain actually wrote the exams in a legible format that gets to the point rather than leading yuou down the garden path to get to the question.


CS

[Shunter]

Chris-Squire, I think you may have the wrong end of the stick there.

The transition layer is between the transition altitude (where you switch to 1013 during climb), and the transition level (being the lowest available flight level, and at which you switch to QNH during descent). It's definitely not 150ft!

[hvogt]

The term is defined by ICAO, e. g. in PANS-OPS Volume I Part I Section 1 Chapter 1:

"Transition layer. The airspace between the transition altitude and the transition level."

To me the the difference between "A" and "B" in Dr.Biggles' post seems very academic. Could somebody give a reason why the answer given under "A" would be wrong?

[Lurking123]

I think that one would be appealed.

[chris-squire]

Sorry didn't realise my post was confusing.....let me re-phrase to avoid this.....I realise that the Transition Altitude isn't 150ft!. My fault, not well worded....I meant that the Transition Layer is 150ft thick in the explanation of this question in the PPL confuser (eighth edition).

CS

[Shunter]

In the context of the question, answers A and B are both correct. It's a very poor question. Some would argue that the transition layer should be a specific minimum depth, but there is no separation mandated in the UK between someone cruising at the TA on QNH, and someone cruising at the TL on 1013.