Plain English Meaning

The standard land mile used on roads in the United States. It is shorter than a nautical mile. In aviation, you mostly see it when visibility is being reported.

Full Definition

A unit of linear distance equal to 5,280 feet (approximately 1,609 meters). In U.S. aviation, statute miles are used to express visibility values in weather reports, takeoff and landing minimums, and on sectional charts, while distances flown are typically measured in nautical miles.

Context Anchor

Seen in takeoff minimums, weather reports, and visibility requirements for instrument procedures.

Derivation

From the Latin 'statutum,' meaning something fixed by law. The statute mile was set by English law (originally a 1593 statute) at 5,280 feet to standardize land measurement. The name simply means 'the legally fixed mile,' which is why it is distinct from the nautical mile used for at sea and in the .