  Currently, the cloud top height (CTH) is measured by remote satellite and
radar methods. Radar methods detect only clouds with precipitation, so their
information about the optical cloud top height has little reliability. In
addition, any remote method must be monitored. The CTH is most accurately
measured by aircraft methods. However, its use for measuring the height of
cumulonimbus clouds is almost impossible. The paper presents the results of
comparing the measurement of the CTH using a radiosonde with an optical sensor
and an aircraft with a special laser locator. The measured heights differed
from each other by 30 meters, which corresponds to the accuracy of the
equipment used. The purpose of the work is to monitor the quality of satellite
and radar methods for measuring the CTH.
