Plain English Meaning

MEFs are numbers shown on a VFR sectional chart that tell you the highest point — terrain or obstacle — inside each box on the chart, so you know how high you need to fly to be safely above everything in that area.

Full Definition

Maximum Elevation Figures (MEFs) are numbers printed within each quadrangle on a VFR sectional chart that represent the highest known elevation of any terrain feature or obstacle within that quadrangle, rounded up and with a buffer added for safety. They give pilots a quick reference for the minimum altitude needed to clear everything inside that section of the chart.

Context Anchor

Seen on VFR charts during preflight planning, especially when checking terrain, towers, and safe altitude choices along a .