What does AGL stand for in altitude references?

• A. Above Ground Level.
• B. Above Geographical Level.
• C. Airborne Ground Level.
• D. After Ground Level.

Answer: (A)

AGL stands for Above Ground Level. It refers to how high the aircraft is above the terrain directly beneath it, not above sea level. This matters because altitude limits and flight safety are often described in AGL, so your height is measured relative to the ground you’re over at that moment. For example, you could be 150 feet above a hilltop (150 feet AGL) even though that hilltop might be well above sea level. If the ground there is 500 feet MSL, your altitude above sea level would be 650 feet, but your AGL remains 150 feet. The other terms aren’t used for altitude references, so they don’t describe the height relative to the ground.