What provides 1000' of terrain/obstacle clearance and 2000' in mountainous terrain AND can be less than the MEA/MOCA?

What provides 1000' of terrain/obstacle clearance and 2000' in mountainous terrain AND can be less than the MEA/MOCA?

• A. Minimum Safe Altitudes (MSA)
• B. Minimum Vectoring Altitudes (MVA)
• C. Minimum Crossing Altitude (MCA)
• D. Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA)

Answer: (B)

Minimum Vectoring Altitudes are the altitudes ATC uses for radar-controlled segments to keep you clear of terrain and obstacles while they provide radar guidance. They routinely guarantee about 1000 feet of obstacle clearance in non-mountainous areas and about 2000 feet in mountainous terrain, but only within the area covered by radar and when you’re being vectored. That’s why they can be lower than MEA or MOCA: MVAs apply to the radar-vectoring portion of the flight, not to the entire en route path. You remain responsible for staying above MEA/MOCA whenever you’re outside radar coverage or not actively being vectored. Other options don’t fit this scenario: Minimum Safe Altitude is a broader safety altitude for emergency/cruise use around a region; a Minimum Crossing Altitude is the altitude to cross a specific fix; a Minimum Reception Altitude is the altitude needed to receive a nav signal.

Minimum Vectoring Altitudes are the altitudes ATC uses for radar-controlled segments to keep you clear of terrain and obstacles while they provide radar guidance. They routinely guarantee about 1000 feet of obstacle clearance in non-mountainous areas and about 2000 feet in mountainous terrain, but only within the area covered by radar and when you’re being vectored. That’s why they can be lower than MEA or MOCA: MVAs apply to the radar-vectoring portion of the flight, not to the entire en route path. You remain responsible for staying above MEA/MOCA whenever you’re outside radar coverage or not actively being vectored.

Other options don’t fit this scenario: Minimum Safe Altitude is a broader safety altitude for emergency/cruise use around a region; a Minimum Crossing Altitude is the altitude to cross a specific fix; a Minimum Reception Altitude is the altitude needed to receive a nav signal.