Which is the correct method of stating 4,500 feet MSL to ATC?

Which is the correct method of stating 4,500 feet MSL to ATC?

• A. FORTY POINT FIVE
• B. FORTY-FIVE HUNDRED FEET MSL
• C. FOUR THOUSAND
• D. FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED

Answer: (D)

Stating altitude to ATC uses spoken numbers in thousands and hundreds to convey the exact feet above mean sea level. For 4,500 feet, the clear form is “four thousand five hundred” since you express the value as thousand plus hundred rather than a shortcut like “forty-five hundred.” This minimizes mishearing and aligns with standard radiotelephony practice, with the unit feet understood. Saying simply “four thousand” would omit part of the altitude, and other phrasings such as “forty-five hundred feet MSL” are not the preferred form in official phraseology. So the correct form is four thousand five hundred.

Stating altitude to ATC uses spoken numbers in thousands and hundreds to convey the exact feet above mean sea level. For 4,500 feet, the clear form is “four thousand five hundred” since you express the value as thousand plus hundred rather than a shortcut like “forty-five hundred.” This minimizes mishearing and aligns with standard radiotelephony practice, with the unit feet understood. Saying simply “four thousand” would omit part of the altitude, and other phrasings such as “forty-five hundred feet MSL” are not the preferred form in official phraseology. So the correct form is four thousand five hundred.