Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 521 of 934

What is absolute altitude?

  1. The height above mean sea level, or MSL
  2. The height above the terrain, or AGL
  3. The altitude shown with 29.92 set
  4. Pressure altitude corrected for temperature
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Correct answer: The height above the terrain, or AGL

Absolute altitude is altitude above ground level.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 8: Flight Instruments — Altimeter — Types of Altitude, page 209

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026