Standard atmosphere

Definitions

• At sea level, the standard atmosphere consists of a barometric pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury ("Hg) or 1013.2 millibars, and a temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). Pressure and temperature normally decrease as altitude increases. The standard lapse rat
• A hypothetical atmosphere based on averages in which the surface temperature is 59 °F (15 °C), the surface pressure is 29.92 "Hg (1013.2 Mb) at sea level, and the temperature lapse rate is approximately 3.5 °F (2 °C) per 1,000 feet.
• Consisting of those atmospheric conditions at sea level that include a barometric pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury ("Hg) or 1013.2 millibars, and a temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). Pressure and temperature normally decrease as altitude increases. The standard lapse rate in the lower atmosphere for each 1,000 feet of altitude is approximately 1 "Hg and 2 °C (3.5 °F). For example, the standard pressure and temperature at 3,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) is 26.92 "Hg (29.92 – 3) and 9 °C (15 – 6).
• A hypothetical atmosphere based on averages in which the surface temperature is 59°F (15°C), the surface pressure is 29.92 in. Hg (1013.2 Mb) at sea level, and the temperature lapse rate is approximately 3.5°F (2°C) per 1,000 feet.

References

• Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
• Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
• Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2000
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008