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3 Answers

Flight Level below Transition Level

Asked by: 1307 views Instrument Rating

Is it possible to be assigned a FL way below the transition level? Say for example in the chart it says you need to be at least at or above FL70 above the fix but the transition level is FL130. I'm well aware that ATC can assign lower than the existing transition level depending on the local altimeter setting, I'm just not sure if there's an acceptable deviation from the lowest usable flight level. 

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3 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Mar 15, 2020

    This is obviously not a US question but I may also be misunderstanding the question. The term “transition level” is the 1st “flight level” available above the “transition altitude” which, in turn is the altitude above which we stop using the local altimeter setting and start using the standard 1013 mb/29.92 in for altimeter reference.

    The transition altitude is regional so I don’t see how ATC can change it.

    Perhaps it would help to show a sample chart.

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  2. Reyjo on May 15, 2020

    This question is regional and there are two ways that we can easily find a solution to this.
    Firstly, the concept of flight level and altitude is to ensure safe separation from another aircraft. Secondly, just in case you are doubtful about whether to use an altitude or flight level over a particular fix, then you may appreciate that all the aircraft flying over that fix will be provided an advisory from an appropriate ATC authority for altimeter setting ensuring safe separation.

    Yes, in many parts of the world the transition level changes seasonally based on large temperature/pressure variations. eg: North India.

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  3. KDS on May 15, 2020

    I don’t know if this will help or not, but try reading the Instrument Procedures Handbook, Chapter 2, IFR En Route Altitudes, Operations in Other Countries.

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