QFE

QFE is a term from the aviation Q codes used to denote a specific atmospheric pressure reference. In aviation, QFE means the barometric pressure at a particular airfield, as measured at that location. The Q code system originated in early radio communications and was adopted to simplify the exchange of weather and flight information.

When an aircraft’s altimeter is set to QFE, the instrument is configured to display height above the airfield. On the ground at that airfield, the altimeter reads zero (in the chosen units). During flight, the indicated altitude corresponds to the aircraft’s height above that airfield. QFE is related to, but distinct from, QNH, which is the pressure setting that yields altitude above mean sea level, and QNE, which uses the standard pressure setting of 1013.25 hPa (29.92 inHg).

Usage of QFE varies by country, airfield, and operator. Some airfields and fleets still publish and use field pressure settings, while others rely on QNH or QNE depending on procedures and navigation systems. The term remains a historical and practical element of aviation vocabulary, reflecting the legacy of the Q-code system in flight operations. See also QNH and QNE for comparison of common pressure-reference conventions in altimetry.