Definition
The official elevation of an aerodrome, defined as the highest point of the usable landing area, measured in feet above mean sea level (MSL).
Plain English
It's the height of the airport above sea level, taken at the highest spot on the runway or landing surface.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport information, chart data, and flight planning when checking field height before departure or arrival.
Derivation
Aerodrome' comes from the Greek 'aer' (air) and 'dromos' (running track or course) -- literally an 'air course,' meaning a place where aircraft operate. 'Elevation' comes from Latin 'elevare' (to lift up), meaning a height above a fixed reference. Together, the term simply names the lifted-up position of the airfield relative to sea level.
Why Pilots Care
Directly affects density altitude, true altitude, and required takeoff or landing distances.
Intuition Check
Do not assume aerodrome elevation is an average height for the whole airport. It is the height of the highest point on the usable landing area, measured from sea level.
Example Sentence 1
Before departure, the pilot noted the aerodrome elevation of 1,250 feet MSL when calculating takeoff distance.
Example Sentence 2
Sectional charts show aerodrome elevation in the airport data block next to the runway length.