True altitude

True altitude refers to the actual vertical distance of an aircraft above mean sea level (MSL). It is commonly expressed in feet above MSL and is represented on aeronautical charts as true altitudes, which include airport, terrain, and obstacle elevations. True altitude plays a critical role in aviation as it guides flight planning, specifically in determining the aircraft’s actual height from the ground and aids in avoiding obstructions during takeoff and landing. Ensuring accurate true altitude readings is vital in maintaining the utmost safety of the aircraft, its passengers and crew, and the surrounding environment.