ALTITUDE, 1. a prestige which the auditor has in the eyes of the preclear. A somewhat artificial position of the auditor which gives the preclear greater confidence and therefore greater ability to run than he would otherwise have. (SOS Gloss) 2. a difference of level of prestige–one in a higher altitude carries conviction to one on a lower altitude merely because of altitude. (DMSMH, p. 343)
Hubbard, L. R., (1975) Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary, Los Angeles: Church of Scientology of California Publications Organization.