How would you verify an incorrect altitude selection during departure and correct it?

• A. Compare with ATC clearance, check the altitude bug on the PFD, adjust in the MCDU/autopilot and re-verify.
• B. Ignore altitude discrepancy if ATC hasn't mentioned it.
• C. Re-issue the same altitude setting and proceed.
• D. Request vectors to fix later.

Answer: (A)

Verifying and correcting an incorrect altitude during departure starts with aligning what ATC has cleared you to fly with what the aircraft is actually set to hold. The PFD altitude bug shows the altitude the flight control system is aiming to maintain. If you notice a mismatch or an obviously incorrect setting, the proper approach is to reconcile the clearance with the cockpit indications and then implement the correction through the flight control inputs and automation, followed by a final verification.

In practice, you would compare your current assigned altitude against the clearance you received from ATC, confirm the target altitude shown by the altitude bug on the PFD, and then set the correct altitude in the FCU (adjusting the altitude select and, if needed, engaging the autopilot to capture or maintain that altitude). If the flight plan requires it, you’d also ensure the MCDU/FMS leg data reflects the corrected altitude. After these actions, you re-check the PFD and the active flight plan to confirm you’re now at the cleared altitude.

Ignoring the discrepancy is unsafe and non-compliant with ATC requirements. Simply re-issuing the same altitude would not fix a mis-set value. Waiting for vectors or fixes later introduces unnecessary risk and may compromise separation integrity.