On VFR Sectional Charts, at what altitude are heights of obstacles generally depicted?

• A. AGL unless in parentheses
• B. MSL unless in parentheses
• C. Flat altitude without reference
• D. Only in feet AGL

Answer: (B)

Heights of obstacles depicted on VFR Sectional Charts are generally shown as Mean Sea Level (MSL) unless specified otherwise in parentheses. This convention ensures that pilots can assess the height of obstacles in relation to a standardized reference, which is MSL. This is crucial for navigation and safety, as it provides pilots with a clear understanding of how high an obstacle is compared to sea level, allowing for better altitude planning during flight operations.

If a height was indicated in parentheses, it would typically mean that the measurement is being provided in an alternative format, such as Above Ground Level (AGL). However, the default and most commonly used height reference for obstacles on these charts is MSL. This standardized approach is essential for ensuring consistency and safety in flight navigation.