Aviation Glossary - Absolute Altitude

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Absolute Altitude

The measureable height of an aircraft above the actual terrain.

source: FAA Aerosense Glossary

The vertical distance of an airplane above the terrain, or above ground level (AGL).

source: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)

The actual distance between an aircraft and the terrain over which it is flying.

source: FAA Balloon Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-11)

The height of an aircraft directly above the surface or terrain over which it is flying. Acceleration error. An error caused by the deflection of the bubble due to any change in acceleration of the aircraft.

source: FAA Flight Navigator's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-18)

The actual distance an object is above the ground.

source: FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21A)

The actual distance between an aircraft and the terrain over which it is flying.

source: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)

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Disclaimer: While this glossary in most cases is likely to be highly accurate and useful, sometimes, for any number of editorial, transcription, technical, and other reasons, it might not be. Additionally, as somtimes you may have found yourself brought to this page through an automated term matching system, you may find definitions here that do not match the cotext or application in which you saw the original term. Please use your good judgement when using this resource.