What does the term "AGL" refer to in aviation?

The term "AGL" refers to "Above Ground Level," which is a critical measurement in aviation. It indicates the height of an aircraft above the surface of the earth, measured from the ground beneath it rather than from sea level. This is important for various flight operations, including altitude reporting, navigation, and safety protocols, especially when dealing with terrain and obstacles.

Understanding AGL is crucial for pilots when performing takeoffs, landings, and maintaining safe clearances above obstacles, especially in environments with varying terrain. In many operations, maintaining a specific AGL is vital to comply with regulations and ensure safe maneuverability, particularly in low-level flight operations or during approach and landing phases.

Other options, while they contain aviation-related terminology, do not accurately represent the accepted definition of AGL in aviation context. "Air Ground Landing" and "Airborne Global Lift," for instance, do not pertain to vertical measurement or altitude, and "Altitude Ground Level" is misleading as it implies an incorrect form of expression for measuring altitude in relation to the ground. Hence, "Above Ground Level" is the clear and accurate definition recognized in aviation vernacular.