MSL
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Mean sea level |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
MSL stands for Mean sea level, an aviation abbreviation also used in geography.
Average level of the ocean surface, used as the reference for aircraft altitudes, airport elevations and terrain heights on aeronautical charts. With the local altimeter setting entered, an altimeter reads approximately the aircraft's height above MSL.
Example: Denver International sits at 5,434 feet MSL, so pattern altitude there is about 6,400 feet.
Usage notes
ATC altitude assignments below 18,000 feet in the US are MSL values unless stated otherwise; above that, flight levels referenced to standard pressure are used. Cloud ceilings in METARs, by contrast, are given above ground level. Mean sea level itself varies regionally, so charts and GPS rely on defined geodetic datums.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- MDA – Minimum descent altitude
- MEI – Multiengine instructor
- MEL – Minimum equipment list
- METAR – Meteorological Aerodrome Report
- MFD – Multi-function display
- MRO – Maintenance, repair and overhaul
- MTOW – Maximum takeoff weight
- MVFR – Marginal visual flight rules
- NDB – Non-directional beacon
- NOTAM – Notice to Air Missions
- PAPI – Precision approach path indicator
- PAX – Passengers