What altitude should QNE be set at during departure?

QNE, or the standard pressure setting, is typically set at 29.92 inHg and is associated with flight levels above 18,000 feet. However, for departure and as a standard practice during the climb from the surface to the transition altitude, the altimeter is usually set to the local altimeter setting instead of the standard pressure setting until reaching the transition altitude, which is where you switch to using flight levels.

In the context of your question regarding what altitude QNE should be set at during departure, 8,000 feet is a commonly used altitude before the transition altitude. In the United States, the transition altitude is at 18,000 feet, but for operations below this level, including departure, setting the altimeter to 8,000 feet during initial climb helps with ensuring that the aircraft is appropriately calibrated with the local altimeter.

This altitude is crucial for maintaining effective separation between aircraft in the airspace to ensure safety during ascent from the airport. It ensures pilots remain aware of their altitude relative to other traffic until they can switch over to standard pressure settings.

Therefore, setting QNE at 8,000 feet during departure is recognized as a standard procedure, aligning altimeter settings with safe flying practices before transitioning