What is QFE in aviation terminology?

In aviation terminology, QFE refers specifically to the atmospheric pressure at an airfield or airport elevation, which allows pilots to set their altimeter so that it reads zero when the aircraft is on the ground at that location. This is closely related to the concept of height above ground level (AGL). When utilizing QFE, the altimeter indicates the aircraft's height above the runway or airfield rather than above sea level. This is particularly useful for pilots during takeoff and landing as it provides an accurate measurement of the aircraft's vertical position relative to the ground directly beneath it, ensuring safer operations during critical phases of flight.

In contrast, the other options relate to different concepts in aviation: sea level pressure is tied to QNH, aircraft height above sea level is represented by altitude, and vertical speed indicates the rate of ascent or descent, which is not what QFE specifically measures.