MEF

cross-country planning cruising altitude maximum elevation figure sectional chart terrain clearance VFR navigation

Traffic Pattern Aug 23, 2026

The Maximum Elevation Figure, the Biggest Number in the Quadrant, and How the Sectional Tells You What Will Kill You in the Dark

Learn what the Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) on a sectional chart really tells you and how to use it to avoid controlled flight into terrain.

Pattern

Traffic Pattern Aug 9, 2026

The Maximum Elevation Figure, the Little Numbers in the Corner of Every Sectional Square, and Planning a Cross-Country Altitude That Actually Clears the Rocks

Learn how the Maximum Elevation Figure (MEF) on sectional charts sets a safe terrain floor for your cross-country cruising altitude.

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