Quote Originally Posted by Auburntsts View Post
I can tell you from experience that the error is still very real. However, the bottom line is to fly, you have to do it the FAA way regardless of how you personally feel about it. If you really have to know your AGL altitude, invest in a radar altimeter (I'm kidding). Otherwise, my advice is save the philosophical debates for later and focus on learning what you need to obtain your ticket. There will be plenty of time after that to figure out how to implement the better mouse trap. Good luck!
Thanks for the help and elightment. Frankly I thought the altitude was calculated from the GPS Horizonal position and was referenced back to topographical satellite mapping? I still like the standard altimeter.