Maximum_elevation_figure
Maximum elevation figure
Type of visual flight rule (VFR) information
Maximum elevation figure (MEF) is a type of visual flight rule (VFR) information that indicates the elevation of the highest geographical feature within a GEOREF quadrangle area. It is of interest to pilots, who want to be aware of the highest mountain peaks and tall towers nearby, so that they can fly above them to avoid controlled flight into terrain. ("Features" includes terrain, trees, towers, and other obstacles.)
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Much like the minimum safe altitude (MSA) used for flight under instrument flight rules, the MEF includes a margin for aircraft clearance above the terrain and altimeter error.[1]
In a VFR flight, the MEF is commonly referred to as a "quadrantal altitude" (not to be confused with an IFR minimum sector altitude).[clarification needed]