Plain English Meaning

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.

Full 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.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument approach information, airport data blocks, and figures where needs the airport’s height reference.