Definition
The official elevation of an airport, measured in feet above mean sea level (MSL) at the highest point of any usable runway, as printed on charts, in the Chart Supplement, and on instrument approach plates.
Plain English
The airport's height above sea level, as listed on official charts. It's the number you compare your altimeter against to confirm the altimeter is reading correctly before you take off.
Context Anchor
Used during the after-engine-start instrument check, when the pilot compares the altimeter reading with the airport’s published field elevation.
Derivation
Published' means printed in an official source, as opposed to a value you measure or estimate yourself. The pairing matters: it tells the pilot this number is authoritative and is the one to trust when checking the altimeter.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the fixed reference needed for correct altimeter setting and safe terrain clearance.
Grounding Statement
If the airplane is parked on the airport and the altimeter is set correctly, the altimeter should show approximately the airport’s published field elevation.
Intuition Check
“Field” does not mean a grass field here; it means the airport. “Published” means officially listed in aviation information, not just written somewhere. “Elevation” means height above sea level, not height above the runway or nearby terrain.
Example Sentence 1
After setting the current altimeter setting, the pilot confirmed the altimeter read within 75 feet of the published field elevation.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument approach briefing the crew noted the published field elevation to calculate the decision height.