Which unit of measure is commonly used when discussing altitude?

When discussing altitude, feet is the commonly used unit of measure, particularly in the context of aviation and flight operations. This is due to historical practices within the aviation industry, particularly in the United States, where altitude is primarily expressed in feet. For example, pilots report their flight levels in thousands of feet, such as "Flight level 350" indicating an altitude of 35,000 feet. This convention enhances clarity and consistency for pilots and air traffic control when communicating.

While meters and kilometers are also valid units of measurement used in various contexts globally, the standard within the aviation sector in the U.S. and many other countries remains feet for practical and regulatory reasons. Pounds is a unit of weight, not distance or altitude, which makes it irrelevant for this particular question. Understanding the prevalent use of feet in aviation helps ensure effective communication and operational safety within the flight environment.