In the standard pressure region, what should you set your altimeter to?

In the standard pressure region, the correct procedure is to set your altimeter to 29.92 inches of mercury (Hg). This value represents the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level, which allows pilots to ensure consistent altimeter readings across different aircraft and locations. When all aircraft in the standard pressure region set their altimeters to this value, it creates a uniform reference, which is critical for maintaining safe vertical separation between aircraft.

Setting the altimeter to 29.92 inches of mercury is particularly important when flying at higher altitudes or transitioning from a lower pressure area, as it helps pilots navigate safely through the airspace without the discrepancies that might arise from local altimeter settings based on varying atmospheric conditions.

In contrast, setting the altimeter to airport elevation would not be appropriate in the standard pressure region since airport elevations are specific to individual locations and can differ significantly from one area to another, leading to potential altitude misinterpretations. Similarly, referencing the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS) or the nearest airport en route would not provide the standardization needed for setting altimeters in this context. These options may be relevant in specific situations but do not apply when standard pressure is in effect.