What is the cockpit pressure at approximately 18,000 feet altitude?

What is the cockpit pressure at approximately 18,000 feet altitude?

• A. 8,000 feet ± 1,000
• B. 6,000 feet ± 500
• C. 10,000 feet ± 2,000
• D. 12,000 feet ± 1,500

Answer: (A)

At cruising altitude, the cockpit and cabin are kept at a breathable, lower “cabin altitude” rather than the true outside altitude. For most airliners, that cabin altitude is aimed to be around 6,000 to 8,000 feet, with 8,000 feet being the common target. So, at approximately 18,000 feet outside, the cockpit pressure is about 8,000 feet in terms of equivalent altitude, with a small allowable variation (about ±1,000 feet) due to the pressurization system’s tolerance. This is why the best match is 8,000 feet ± 1,000.

At cruising altitude, the cockpit and cabin are kept at a breathable, lower “cabin altitude” rather than the true outside altitude. For most airliners, that cabin altitude is aimed to be around 6,000 to 8,000 feet, with 8,000 feet being the common target. So, at approximately 18,000 feet outside, the cockpit pressure is about 8,000 feet in terms of equivalent altitude, with a small allowable variation (about ±1,000 feet) due to the pressurization system’s tolerance. This is why the best match is 8,000 feet ± 1,000.