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Meteorology

3.3.6.2 Transition layers, transition altitude and transition level

In the diagram below, you can see something called the transition layer,

transition altitude and transition level.

In Denmark, the transition altitude is 5000 feet in the Copenhagen area, and

3000 feet in the rest of the country.

Above the transition altitude is the layer called the transition layer.

The height of the transition layer depends on the transition level set at the

airport on a given day.

The lowest transition level is set based on the current pressure conditions.

If the lowest clearance level in the Copenhagen Area is, for example, flight level

(FL) 55, the clearance layer here will be 500 feet (assuming QNH 1013).

Example: Find the vertical extent of the transition layer.

The following are given:

- QNH: 1023

- Transition altitude: 3000 ft

- Transition level: FL35

Answer:

When you pass 3000 ft in relation to QNH 1023, you have reached the

transition altitude, which is the bottom of the transition layer.

Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© marts 2026 235