Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What is defined as the vertical distance of an aircraft above the terrain?

Absolute altitude

The term that is defined as the vertical distance of an aircraft above the terrain is absolute altitude. This measurement is important for pilots as it indicates the actual height of the aircraft above the earth's surface, which can vary due to changes in terrain such as hills or mountains.

While pressure altitude refers to the altitude indicated when the altimeter is set to the standard setting of 29.92 inHg, true altitude is a more universal term that represents the actual height above sea level, which does not consider the underlying terrain. Density altitude relates to pressure altitude adjusted for temperature and humidity and is significant for performance calculations but is not a direct measurement of an aircraft’s height above the terrain.

Understanding these different types of altitudes is crucial for pilots to navigate safely and effectively, particularly in varied terrain where knowing the precise vertical distance to the ground is essential for avoiding obstacles.

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Pressure altitude

True altitude

Density altitude

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