Definition
The officially published height of an airport above mean sea level (MSL), defined as the elevation of the highest point on any of the airport's usable runways. It is shown on approach charts and airport diagrams and is used as a reference for instrument approach minimums and altimeter checks.
Plain English
How high the airport sits above sea level, measured to the highest point on its runways. It's a single number printed on the chart so pilots know the ground level of the airport itself.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach information, airport data blocks, and FAA figures where the pilot needs the airport’s height reference.
Derivation
Apt' is a shortened form of 'airport.' 'Elev' is short for 'elevation,' from the Latin elevatio, meaning 'a lifting up.' Together, the abbreviation simply means how far the airport is lifted above sea level.
Why Pilots Care
Sets the correct altimeter reference so approach altitudes and decision heights are accurate.
Intuition Check
Do not read Apt Elev as the height of the control tower, terminal, or a single runway end. It refers to the airport elevation value, based on the highest point of the usable runways.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the approach, the pilot noted the airport elevation of 1,432 feet so she could anticipate the field's height as she descended.
Example Sentence 2
With an Apt Elev of 850 feet, all altitudes on the approach are measured from that level.