Aerodrome Elevation – Glossary and Technical Guide

Aerodrome elevation is a critical parameter in aviation, representing the altitude of the highest point on the operational landing area of an aerodrome, measured above mean sea level (AMSL). This value is not arbitrary; it is defined and regulated by international and national authorities to ensure safety, consistency, and efficiency in airport operations and flight procedures.

What is Aerodrome Elevation?

Aerodrome elevation is the officially recognized altitude of the highest point within the landing area of an aerodrome, referenced to a standard vertical datum such as WGS-84. It is measured either in feet or meters above mean sea level and is a mandatory data element in all aeronautical publications. The definition, as set forth by ICAO Annex 14, ensures that all stakeholders—pilots, air traffic controllers, airport operators, and regulators—use a consistent reference point for operations.

The elevation is not necessarily at a runway threshold but at the highest usable point within the defined landing area, which may include runway intersections or other designated surfaces. This value is used in performance calculations, obstacle assessments, and the design of approach and departure procedures.

Landing Area: The Critical Surface

The landing area of an aerodrome comprises all surfaces designated and maintained for aircraft takeoff and landings. Only areas intended for regular aircraft operations are included in elevation calculations; decommissioned or non-operational surfaces are excluded. The boundaries of this area are crucial for accurate surveying and regulatory compliance, affecting everything from declared distances to emergency planning.

Regulatory Context and Standards

ICAO: Global Standardization

ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1, provides the international definition and standards for determining, publishing, and maintaining aerodrome elevation. All contracting States must adhere to these standards, ensuring global interoperability. ICAO requires regular updates, strict surveying accuracy (to the nearest foot or tenth of a meter for instrument runways), and consistent data publication in national Aeronautical Information Publications (AIPs).

FAA: U.S. Implementation

In the United States, the FAA uses the term “airport elevation,” mirroring ICAO’s definition. The FAA mandates that elevations be referenced to the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) and published in the FAA’s official databases and Airport Master Record (Form 5010). Surveying standards and data submission processes are detailed in Advisory Circular 150/5300-18B.

Comparative Terminology Table

Surveying and Data Integrity

Accurate Surveying

Aerodrome elevation is determined using precise surveying techniques, including GPS, GNSS, LiDAR, and traditional geodetic methods. Surveys must reference an official vertical datum and be performed by licensed professionals. The highest point of the operational landing area is documented with exact coordinates and elevation, which are then published in AIPs and aeronautical charts.

Data Maintenance

Regular verification is required, especially after construction, resurfacing, or other changes to the runway environment. Changes must be reported promptly and published to ensure all operational data—charts, databases, flight management systems—reflect the current elevation.

Operational Importance

Aerodrome elevation is foundational to:

• Instrument Procedures: Sets the reference for minimum sector altitudes, approach minima, and obstacle clearance.
• Aircraft Performance: Higher elevations mean lower air density, requiring longer takeoff and landing runs and affecting climb gradients.
• Airport Design: Influences runway length, pavement design, and emergency planning based on decreased performance at altitude.
• Regulatory Compliance: Forms the reference for obstacle limitation surfaces, safety area planning, and compliance with ICAO and FAA standards.

High-Elevation Aerodromes

Airports like Daocheng Yading (China, 14,472 ft AMSL) and El Alto (La Paz, Bolivia, 13,325 ft AMSL) illustrate the challenges of high-elevation operations. At these altitudes, aircraft require longer runways, experience reduced payload capacity, and must adhere to stricter pressurization and oxygen requirements. Accurate elevation data is especially critical in these environments.

Declared Distances and Runway Features

Aerodrome elevation underpins the calculation of declared distances:

Displaced thresholds, clearways, and stopways are runway features that affect declared distances but do not change the published aerodrome elevation.

Instrument and Visual Approach Procedures

Instrument approach and departure procedures use aerodrome elevation as their fundamental reference for all altitude calculations. Visual approaches also reference the published elevation for safe approach slope calculation and pilot situational awareness.

Airport Reference Point (ARP)

The ARP is the geographic center of all usable runways and is published alongside the aerodrome elevation. While the ARP is critical for mapping and navigation, it is not always located at the elevation’s highest point.

Data Publication

Aerodrome elevation is published in a country’s AIP, forming the authoritative reference for all operational use. Regular updates and quality assurance are mandated by both ICAO and national regulators.

Safety and Compliance

Adherence to accurate, current elevation data supports obstacle clearance, regulatory compliance, and the safe design of airport facilities and procedures. Discrepancies can compromise safety margins and lead to regulatory violations.

Related Terms Glossary

• Displaced Threshold: A threshold located away from the physical end of the runway to clear obstacles; does not affect aerodrome elevation.
• Clearway: Area beyond the runway, free of obstacles, included in TODA but not in elevation.
• Stopway: Area beyond TORA, suitable for stopping in an aborted takeoff, included in ASDA only.
• Density Altitude: The altitude relative to standard atmosphere conditions, affected by temperature and pressure, crucial at high-elevation airports.

Summary Table: Key Parameters

In Practice

Aerodrome elevation is far more than a line on a chart; it is a foundational element for every aspect of airport and flight operations, from the design of runways to the calculation of safe approach minima and the determination of emergency planning requirements. Its accuracy, publication, and maintenance are essential for safety, regulatory compliance, and the operational efficiency of the global aviation system.