Why does aviation use feet for altitude?

International aviation uses feet for altitude because the US and UK, which pioneered commercial aviation, used feet. ICAO standardized feet worldwide (with China and Russia being notable exceptions that used meters but have largely transitioned). Using one system prevents dangerous miscommunications.

How do I convert altitude feet to meters?

Multiply feet by 0.3048 to get meters. For example, a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet = 35,000 × 0.3048 = 10,668 meters (10.67 km). For a quick estimate, divide feet by 3.3.

At what altitude does altitude sickness begin?

Altitude sickness can begin at about 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level. Symptoms become more common above 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Severe altitude sickness risk increases significantly above 14,000 feet (4,267 m).

Altitude Measurements: Feet vs Meters for Aviation & Hiking

Altitude Conversion

Meters = Feet × 0.3048

Feet = Meters × 3.28084

Notable Elevations

Location	Feet	Meters
Dead Sea (lowest land)	-1,412	-430
Denver, CO	5,280	1,609
Altitude sickness threshold	8,000	2,438
Mont Blanc	15,774	4,808
Mt. Kilimanjaro	19,341	5,895
Denali (Mt. McKinley)	20,310	6,190
Mt. Everest	29,032	8,849
Commercial jet cruise	35,000	10,668
Concorde cruise (historic)	60,000	18,288

Aviation Altitude References

Altitude Band	Feet	Meters	Usage
Ground level	0-500	0-152	Takeoff/landing
Pattern altitude	1,000	305	Traffic pattern
Small aircraft cruise	3,000-12,000	914-3,658	VFR flying
Cabin pressurization needed	10,000+	3,048+	Supplemental O2
Jet cruise	30,000-42,000	9,144-12,802	Commercial aviation

Atmospheric Pressure by Altitude

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude. At sea level, pressure is 14.7 PSI (101.3 kPa). At 18,000 feet (5,486 m), pressure is approximately half of sea level. This affects breathing, cooking (water boils at lower temperatures), and engine performance.

Convert altitudes with our length converter.