At what altitude shall the altimeter be set to 29.92, when climbing to cruising flight level?

• A. 18,000 feet MSL
• B. 10,000 feet
• C. Flight level 180
• D. 14,000 feet

Answer: (A)

Setting the altimeter to 29.92 is done once you reach the transition altitude so all aircraft use the same pressure reference and flight levels. In the United States, that transition altitude is 18,000 feet MSL. So when you’re climbing toward cruising flight level, you switch from local pressure settings to 29.92 at 18,000 feet and keep it there for the rest of the climb and cruise. The other choices are below the switch point (where you’d still use the local setting) or describe the level you’re reaching once 29.92 is in use, not the point at which you switch.