When a warm front is approaching, what happens to QFE and QNH at the aerodrome?

Study for the ATPL Intensive Program Exam. Use multiple choice questions and flashcards, each with hints and explanations. Master your exam preparation and succeed!

In the context of meteorology and aviation, when a warm front approaches, it typically brings a rise in air temperatures along with an associated change in atmospheric pressure. As the warm front moves toward a location, the following changes occur:

QFE, which stands for "Q fixed at the elevation of the airfield," represents the atmospheric pressure at the aerodrome corrected to the elevation of the airfield. When a warm front approaches, the atmospheric pressure tends to decrease due to the rising warm air, leading to a drop in QFE.

QNH, however, refers to the altimeter setting that would provide a reading at sea level when the barometric pressure at the station is corrected for sea level. As the warm front progresses, similarly, the pressure around the area typically decreases due to the warm air flowing in aloft, thereby also contributing to a lower QNH reading.

Given these atmospheric dynamics, as the warm air replaces cooler air, both QFE and QNH decrease at the aerodrome. This is consistent with meteorological expectations during the approach of a warm front, making the selection of "QFE and QNH decrease" an accurate reflection of what occurs during such an event.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy