diff --git a/lib/xmet/thermo.py b/lib/xmet/thermo.py
index fa3ac1b..3df34ff 100644
--- a/lib/xmet/thermo.py
+++ b/lib/xmet/thermo.py
@@ -106,7 +106,6 @@ def loft_parcel(start_temp: float,
     dewpoint, pressure value, will be dispatched to obtain the lapse rate
     for each height.
     """
-    start_height = pressure_height(start_pressure)
     sx_last      = None
     sy_last      = None
     height_last  = None