What does MCA stand for?

What does MCA stand for?

• A. Minimum descent altitude
• B. Minimum safe altitude
• C. Minimum enroute altitude
• D. Minimum crossing altitude

Answer: (D)

Minimum Crossing Altitude is the altitude you must be at as you cross a designated navigation fix on an instrument procedure. This published altitude ensures obstacle clearance and proper sequencing from en route to the approach. When you reach the fix, you must cross at or above the MCA, for example crossing a fix at 4,000 feet MSL. After crossing, you descend along the procedure’s steps, but you must meet the crossing altitude at that point. This is different from other terms like minimum descent altitude (the altitude to descend to on a non-precision approach if you don’t have the runway in sight), minimum enroute altitude (the lowest altitude to ensure obstacle clearance along an airway), and minimum safe altitude (a general safety buffer around a region).

Minimum Crossing Altitude is the altitude you must be at as you cross a designated navigation fix on an instrument procedure. This published altitude ensures obstacle clearance and proper sequencing from en route to the approach. When you reach the fix, you must cross at or above the MCA, for example crossing a fix at 4,000 feet MSL. After crossing, you descend along the procedure’s steps, but you must meet the crossing altitude at that point. This is different from other terms like minimum descent altitude (the altitude to descend to on a non-precision approach if you don’t have the runway in sight), minimum enroute altitude (the lowest altitude to ensure obstacle clearance along an airway), and minimum safe altitude (a general safety buffer around a region).