QFE is a Q code used by pilots and air traffic control to refer to the current air pressure which will calibrate the pilot's altimeter to give actual height above the ground at a particular airfield. This setting is used during take off and landing and when flying in the circuit. A mnemonic for the code is "Q Field Elevation".
ATC will update pilots with the QFE when necessary. A typical radio conversation might go:
- Pilot: Golf Whiskey Alpha Charlie Foxtrot, requesting taxi clearance for local VFR
- ATC: Golf Charlie Fox, taxi to Alpha for 25 right hand, QFE niner-niner-eight millibars
- Pilot: To alpha, 25 right, QFE niner-niner-eight, Golf Charlie Fox