Radar altimeter; What is it?

[dizzyweather]

Could someone please tell me what the radar altimeter gauge is and how to use it? The gauge is on the great Baron 58 panel made by Tipster. I have no idea what that gauge is for...

[Heber98]

Radar Altimeter shows your height above the ground. Useful especially on instrument aproaches.

[FSTipster]

Just to expand a little, your ordinary altimeter shows your distance above sea level based on the barometric pressure in the air.

The Radar altimeter takes no notice of air pressure, and simply sends a reflecting signal downwards (hence the `radar` element).

It will show your actual distance above the ground, rather than above sea level when in close enough proximity to it.

[dizzyweather]

Wow guys!!
Thanks for the quick reply!
i asked because it would be a shame not to use all the gauges on the panel..

[Mr. Bones]

i think this altimeter is very useful while flying in/over mountains.

[chops]

Radar Altimeters are also fairly essential if you fly seaplanes a lot.  I don't have the sectional charts for everywhere I fly, and knowing the elevation you are above that mountain lake you're considering putting down on is pretty handy