Definition
On aeronautical charts and approach plates, ELEV is the standard abbreviation used to label the elevation of a feature above mean sea level (MSL), most commonly the airport elevation, which is the highest point on any of the airport's usable runways.
Plain English
ELEV is short for elevation. It tells you how high something is above sea level, usually the airport itself.
Context Anchor
Seen on approach charts, radar approach figures, airport information, and runway data where a height value is needed.
Derivation
From the Latin 'elevare,' meaning 'to lift up.' On charts, the abbreviation is shortened to ELEV simply to save space in the dense layout of approach plates and airport diagrams.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate elevation data lets pilots calculate descent rates and confirm terrain clearance during radar approaches.
Intuition Check
ELEV does not mean the airplane’s current height in the air. It means the charted height of a place or point, usually above sea level.
Example Sentence 1
The approach plate showed ELEV 1,210, so the pilot expected the altimeter to read close to 1,210 feet when parked on the ramp.
Example Sentence 2
The controller noted the ridge ELEV to confirm safe altitude during the radar vector.