Plain English Meaning
A simple way of measuring how much stored energy an airplane has just by being up high. The heavier it is and the higher it is, the more energy it has waiting to be used.
Full Definition
A physics expression representing the gravitational potential energy stored in an object due to its height above a reference point. The value is calculated by multiplying the object's mass (m) by the acceleration due to gravity (g, approximately 32.2 ft/s² or 9.81 m/s²) by its height (h) above the chosen reference. In aviation, this expresses the potential energy an airplane holds because of its altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen in energy management discussions, especially when comparing altitude energy with speed energy.
Derivation
The letters come straight from physics: m for mass, g for , h for height. Multiplying them together gives the energy an object has stored simply because gravity is pulling on it from a height. Knowing the formula reminds you that altitude itself is a form of — energy you've already paid for and can spend later.