Definition
A numerical adjustment applied to an instrument reading or calculated value to account for known deviations from standard conditions. In the pressure altitude context, a correction factor is added to or subtracted from the indicated altitude to compensate for nonstandard atmospheric pressure or temperature, producing a more accurate result.
Plain English
A number you add or subtract to fix a reading so it matches real conditions instead of the standard ones the instrument assumes.
Context Anchor
Seen when converting indicated altitude to pressure altitude for instrument flying and aircraft performance calculations.
Derivation
From Latin 'correctus' (made straight, set right) and 'factor' (one who makes or does). Together: a number that 'sets right' another value. The everyday sense of 'correcting a mistake' carries over cleanly — you're fixing a reading that would otherwise be off.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate application prevents altitude errors that affect terrain clearance and vertical separation.
Grounding Statement
If the outside pressure is above or below standard, the correction factor moves the indicated altitude to the altitude that matches standard pressure.
Intuition Check
Do not read correction factor as a repair or a rough guess. In this context, it is a specific math adjustment used to account for the pressure difference from standard.
Example Sentence 1
Because the outside air temperature was well above standard, the pilot applied a correction factor to the indicated altitude to determine true altitude.
Example Sentence 2
The temperature correction factor increases the computed altitude when flying in cold air.