Absolute altitude

Absolute Altitude

Absolute altitude is the vertical distance of an aircraft above mean sea level, as opposed to above the ground or terrain. It is also known as true altitude and is measured using altimeters. The absolute altitude is an important parameter for flight planning and navigation as it provides the actual height of the aircraft above the Earth’s surface and is unaffected by changes in the terrain’s elevation. It is used to determine clearance heights for obstacles such as buildings, mountains, and other aircraft. Pilots must maintain a minimum safe altitude, which is the absolute altitude necessary to navigate without endangering persons or property on the ground. Therefore, in aviation, accurate determination of absolute altitude is crucial for the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself.