Definition
A specific section reference within the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 7 (Safety of Flight), Section 2 (Altimeter Setting Procedures), paragraph 3, which addresses altimeter errors caused by cold temperatures and provides guidance on cold temperature altitude corrections.
Plain English
A pointer to a particular paragraph in the FAA's AIM rulebook. AIM 7-2-3 is the paragraph that explains how cold air makes your altimeter read higher than you actually are, and what to do about it.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument training material when cold-temperature altitude corrections and altimeter limitations are being discussed.
Derivation
AIM stands for Aeronautical Information Manual. The numbering '7-2-3' follows the FAA's standard chapter-section-paragraph format used throughout its publications: Chapter 7, Section 2, Paragraph 3.
Why Pilots Care
When the air is very cold, your altimeter overstates your true altitude — you are lower than the instrument shows. AIM 7-2-3 is the official source pilots are pointed to for understanding this error and applying the correct altitude additions on approach. On a cold day near terrain or obstacles, this is a real safety issue.
Intuition Check
Do not read AIM 7-2-3 as a maneuver, checklist step, or regulation number. It is a pointer to a specific FAA guidance section.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying into a cold temperature restricted airport, the pilot reviewed AIM 7-2-3 to refresh the altitude correction procedure.
Example Sentence 2
The dispatcher reminded the crew to check AIM 7-2-3 because surface temperatures were well below standard.