What does "Altitude" measure?

"Altitude" specifically refers to the height of an object, such as an aircraft, above a reference point, which is commonly sea level or ground level. This measurement is crucial in aviation as it helps pilots determine their position relative to the Earth's surface and ensures safe navigation and operation of the aircraft.

Understanding altitude is vital for various aspects of flight, including maintaining safe separation between aircraft, ensuring proper aircraft performance, and complying with air traffic control instructions. While temperature, weight, and velocity are important parameters in aviation, they do not define altitude. Instead, they pertain to different aspects of flight dynamics and aircraft performance. Therefore, focusing on altitude as a measurement of height above sea or ground level is essential for both flight safety and operational efficiency.