Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 520 of 934

What is true altitude?

  1. The altitude read from the altimeter set to 29.92
  2. The vertical distance above the terrain
  3. Pressure altitude corrected for temperature
  4. The vertical distance above mean sea level
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Correct answer: The vertical distance above mean sea level

Airport, terrain, and obstacle elevations on aeronautical charts are true altitudes.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Altimeter — Types of Altitude, page 208

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026