SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-chart-mef

On a sectional chart, what does a Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) show?

A rounded figure for the highest terrain or obstacle in that chart box.

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  1. The highest altitude you may fly
  2. The airport's field elevation
  3. The highest terrain or obstacle in that grid box ✔

Why: Sectionals divide the map into quadrants. The MEF represents the highest terrain or vertical obstacle in each quadrant, with an allowance and rounding built into the published figure.

Huh, didn't know that: Each MEF box is 30 minutes of latitude by 30 minutes of longitude.

The dad joke
Why did the tower brag? It was the highest figure in its box.
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References

Answer: The highest terrain or obstacle in that grid box. Sectionals divide the map into quadrants. The MEF represents the highest terrain or vertical obstacle in each quadrant, with an allowance and rounding built into the published figure.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (VFR Sectional Charts) aeronav.faa.gov/user_guide/cug-complete_20260709.pdf
    The Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) represents the highest elevation within a quadrant, including terrain and other vertical obstacles
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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