Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

What does AGL stand for in aviation regulations?

1. Above Ground Level

2. Altitude Ground Limit

3. Aircraft Ground Level

4. Altitude Ground Level

The correct answer is: Above Ground Level

In aviation regulations, AGL stands for Above Ground Level. This term is commonly used in various contexts such as navigation, aircraft operations, and safety protocols. It specifically refers to the height of an object or an aircraft in relation to the ground beneath it, rather than a reference point above sea level. Understanding AGL is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers, especially when considering terrain, obstacles, and minimum safe altitudes for flight operations. For instance, when discussing altitude for approach or takeoff, measurements taken in AGL are more relevant because they provide a clearer picture of the aircraft's altitude above the actual ground. This distinction is vital for avoiding obstacles and for ensuring compliance with visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) requirements.