Altimeter

[darnoc]

Where do I find the actual altimeter level since my guage is showing the level of the airport I am landing at. Each airport has their own
actual level. Some high , some low. I ask this since flaring needs to be done quite accurately. I am sure this is a dum question but I am
quite new....

Thanks

[ivo]

You can listen to ATIS for the local altimeter setting, or get a METAR or TAF. btw, the altimeter setting depends on the weather and can be different
at the same airport.

[pegase]

The default key "b" will set your altimeter on 2992 - 1013 if you are above 18.000 or to the local current pressure below.

So if during final you hit "b" you are sure to be OK with altimeter.
However, I usually rely on the FsP copilot's announcement "30, 20... 10" as it always give the altitude above ground level. Some planes
also have radio altimeter which by its principle gives also the AGL altitude.

[Serviceman]

Some air craft have a radar altimeter that always gives the correct distance above ground. & is more accurate than a barometric altimeter.

[poden]

darnoc, unless you have a radar altimeter in your plane, the altitude reading is subject to some error, AND will just be in MSL (altitude above sea
level). A radar altimeter will give you what you're after, altitude above ground level (AGL). Not all aircaft actual have radar altimeters though, but
you can add one to any FS9 plane by editing the panel. If you want to get into panel editing (which I love doing), you should get a visual editor,
like FS Panel Studio.

Even with a radar altimeter equipped plane, its just best to do the landing flare visually, with maybe a little aid from the altimeter.

[olseric]

radar altimeter that always gives the correct distance above ground.

That probably works fine if your approach takes you over the ocean and you're landing at an airfield that is at sea level, but most airport
environments aren't flat...especially in the FS world with many airports being "plateaued" due to the flattening.

Your best bet: Grab the charts for the airport and read the field elevation. Set and use the barometric altimeter.