How is altitude measured in aviation?

Aviation altitude is measured using either mean sea level (MSL) or local ground level (above ground level, or AGL) as the reference datum. Absolute altitude is the vertical distance of the aircraft above the terrain over which it is flying. It can be measured using a radar altimeter (or “absolute altimeter”).

What is the rule for altitude?

Low flying rules in the US An aircraft must maintain an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Why is aviation altitude in feet?

So the simple truth is, because of the proliferation of American and British aircraft during the early years of aviation, and the explosion in aviation in the United States after World War II, the imperial foot became the international standard for altitude measurement.

What altitudes should you fly above 3000 feet AGL?

According to FAR 91.159, if you’re more than 3,000 AGL, you need to be flying an odd-thousand MSL altitude +500 feet on a magnetic course of 0-179. And if you’re flying a magnetic course of 180-359, you should fly an even-thousand altitude +500 feet.

What is true altitude in aviation?

True Altitude is height above mean sea level (MSL). Absolute Altitude is height above ground level (AGL). Pressure Altitude is the indicated altitude when an altimeter is set to 29.92 in Hg (1013 hPa in other parts of the world). It is primarily used in aircraft performance calculations and in high-altitude flight.

How high is FL 600?

approximately 60,000 ft
With some exceptions, Class A airspace is applied to all airspace between 18,000 feet (5,500 m) and flight level (FL) 600 (approximately 60,000 ft). Above FL600, the airspace reverts to Class E. The transition altitude is also consistently 18,000 feet (5,500 m) everywhere.

Can planes fly at 1000 feet?

The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.119 indicates that, except when necessary for departure or landing, the minimum altitude over urban areas is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 500 feet AGL over rural areas.