SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-maximum-elevation-figure

What does a Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) on a sectional show?

The highest elevation in that chart quadrant, including terrain and obstacles.

  1. The maximum altitude drones may fly
  2. The airport's field elevation
  3. The highest elevation in that quadrant, including obstacles ✔

Why: Each sectional is divided into quadrants. The big MEF number in each one tells you the highest point inside it, counting towers and trees as well as terrain.

Huh, didn't know that: MEFs are rounded up to the nearest 100 feet and the last two digits are dropped, so a big 3 and small 2 means 3,200 feet.

The dad joke
Why is the mountain so calm about the chart? It knows it will always come out on top.
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Sources

  1. FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (VFR Terms and Symbols) https://aeronav.faa.gov/user_guide/cug-complete_20260709.pdf

Test yourself in the game

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