Which term describes the height of an aircraft above the ground?

The term that describes the height of an aircraft above the ground is AGL, which stands for Above Ground Level. AGL is a crucial measurement in aviation, particularly for unmanned aircraft operators, as it indicates how high the aircraft is positioned relative to the surface of the earth below.

Understanding the difference between AGL and MSL (Mean Sea Level) is important because MSL refers to the altitude of an aircraft in relation to the average sea level, rather than the actual ground beneath it. This distinction is vital for safe flight operations, especially when flying in areas with varying terrain.

The other terms, VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), are related to the regulations governing aircraft operations under different visibility conditions rather than measurements of height. Thus, they would not be applicable in describing the height of an aircraft above the ground.