Definition
The actual atmospheric pressure measured at a specific weather observation station, at the elevation of that station, without any correction to sea level.
Plain English
It is the real air pressure right where the weather station sits, at whatever altitude that station happens to be — not adjusted to make it look like sea level.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather, airport weather observations, and performance calculations that depend on actual air pressure at the airport.
Derivation
Station refers to the weather observation site itself. The term simply means the pressure reading taken at that site, before any correction is applied.
Why Pilots Care
Station pressure is the starting value used to derive the altimeter setting, which keeps indicated altitude accurate and prevents terrain conflicts.
Grounding Statement
A high-elevation airport usually has lower station pressure than a sea-level airport because there is less air above it pressing down.
Intuition Check
Station pressure is not the same as sea-level pressure or altimeter setting. It is the pressure measured at the station’s actual elevation.
Example Sentence 1
Because the airport sits at 5,000 feet, its station pressure is noticeably lower than the altimeter setting reported on the ATIS.
Example Sentence 2
Before takeoff the pilot confirmed the station pressure with the tower to verify the altimeter was set correctly.