SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-radio-altitude-12500

How does a pilot say an altitude of 12,500 feet on the radio?

One two thousand five hundred.

Start playing free

  1. One two thousand five hundred ✔
  2. Twelve thousand and a half
  3. One two five zero zero

Why: Below 18,000 feet, pilots say the separate digits of the thousands, then the hundreds. So 12,500 becomes one two thousand five hundred.

Huh, didn't know that: At 18,000 feet MSL and above, pilots say flight level instead, like flight level one eight zero.

The dad joke
Why do pilots say numbers one digit at a time? They don't like to get carried away.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: One two thousand five hundred. Below 18,000 feet, pilots say the separate digits of the thousands, then the hundreds. So 12,500 becomes one two thousand five hundred.

  1. Aeronautical Information Manual 4-2-9, Altitudes and Flight Levels www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html
    12,500 one two thousand five hundred
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesOn the radio, what does 'Wilco' mean?Flying & DronesWhat is the correct way to say 5,500 feet MSL to ATC?Flying & DronesHow do pilots say the number 9 on the radio?

That's stuff everyone should know.