Definition
A/HA is a paired reference used on instrument approach charts and in approach procedures to indicate a value expressed both as altitude (feet above mean sea level, MSL) and as height (feet above the runway threshold or other touchdown reference). It allows a pilot to read the same minimum or decision point either against the altimeter (MSL) or against the height above the landing surface, depending on the procedure or aircraft equipment.
Plain English
A/HA shows the same level in two ways at once: how high you are above sea level, and how high you are above the runway. One number is what you read off your altimeter; the other is how far above the ground you actually are.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation abbreviation lists, NOTAM contractions, chart notes, and procedure information where space is limited and vertical measurements are shortened.
Derivation
Altitude comes from a Latin word meaning “high.” Height comes from an older English word also meaning “high.” The slash in A/HA shows that the abbreviation is grouping two related ideas: altitude and height.
Why Pilots Care
Quickly clarifies vertical position data in flight planning, clearances, and obstacle information without ambiguity in official text.
Intuition Check
Do not assume altitude and height mean the same thing here. Altitude usually means measured from average sea level; height usually means measured from the ground or another stated reference.
Example Sentence 1
The approach chart listed the decision point as an A/HA value, so the pilot could cross-check the altimeter reading against the height above the threshold.
Example Sentence 2
Review the A/HA values on the approach plate before descent.