Which of the following is NOT a characteristic that can be compared to an aerial apparatus?

The characteristic that is not typically compared to an aerial apparatus is height. While height can be an attribute of an aerial apparatus, such as its maximum operational height or its overall dimensions, it does not provide a comparative metric regarding performance, handling, or reactivity.

Performance relates to how well the aerial apparatus operates under various conditions, assessing factors like speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. Reactivity refers to how quickly and effectively the apparatus can respond to changes in the environment or operational demands. Handling describes how the aerial apparatus responds to the operator's control inputs, particularly during complex maneuvers. These three characteristics are all directly tied to the operational effectiveness and capabilities of the aerial apparatus, making them suitable for comparison. In contrast, height is more of a static measurement and does not reflect function or performance in the same dynamic context.