Departure & Enroute

5 free sample questions of the 30 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   The MEA (Minimum En Route Altitude) is established based on what criteria?

   • A.Pilot preference
   • B.Obstacle clearance over terrain and manmade objects, adequacy of navigation facility performance, and communications requirements
   • C.Fuel economy
   • D.Air traffic density only
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Obstacle clearance over terrain and manmade objects, adequacy of navigation facility performance, and communications requirements

   Per IPH Ch 2 (IFR En Route Altitudes), MEAs are established based on obstacle clearance over terrain and manmade objects (1,000 ft non-mountainous, 2,000 ft mountainous), adequacy of NAVAID performance for the route, and communications requirements. They provide both navigation reliability AND minimum terrain clearance.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 2, IFR En Route Altitudes (p. 2-35)

2. Question 2

   MOCA (Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude) provides:

   • A.Full obstacle and signal reception for the entire route segment
   • B.Obstacle clearance for the entire route segment, but assures acceptable navigation signal reception only within 22 NM of the VOR
   • C.Maximum altitude allowed on the route
   • D.Required altitude for crossing a fix
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Obstacle clearance for the entire route segment, but assures acceptable navigation signal reception only within 22 NM of the VOR

   Per IPH Ch 2, the MOCA is the lowest published altitude on a route segment that meets obstacle clearance requirements for the entire route segment, but assures acceptable nav signal coverage ONLY within 22 NM of a VOR. (§91.177(a)(1) also references the 22-NM rule.)

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 2, MOCA (p. 2-36)

3. Question 3

   MRA (Minimum Reception Altitude) is:

   • A.The minimum altitude at which a pilot may begin a turn
   • B.The lowest altitude at which an intersection can be determined when the receiving-NAVAID signal requires being received above the MEA at that fix
   • C.The minimum altitude in controlled airspace
   • D.Same as the MAA
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. The lowest altitude at which an intersection can be determined when the receiving-NAVAID signal requires being received above the MEA at that fix

   Per IPH Ch 2, an MRA is established at a fix when the MRA is higher than the MEA. It is the lowest altitude at which an off-course NAVAID's signal can be received reliably to determine that intersection. Pilots must climb to MRA at the fix to identify the intersection (and then return to MEA if no other reason to remain higher).

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 2, MRA (p. 2-35)

4. Question 4

   MCA (Minimum Crossing Altitude) is:

   • A.The highest altitude at which a fix may be crossed
   • B.The minimum altitude at which a fix MUST be crossed when transitioning to a higher MEA on the next route segment — based on climb gradient calculations
   • C.Minimum altitude on the next segment
   • D.Maximum hard altitude restriction
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. The minimum altitude at which a fix MUST be crossed when transitioning to a higher MEA on the next route segment — based on climb gradient calculations

   MCA is the lowest altitude at which a designated fix must be crossed when entering a higher MEA on the next segment. The IPH example (Fig 2-62) shows MOCA at obstruction = 6,620 ft − climb of 720 ft = MCA 5,900 ft (at 120 ft/NM over 6 NM). Pilots must reach the higher altitude AT OR BEFORE the fix.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 2, MCA (p. 2-38)

5. Question 5

   MAA (Maximum Authorized Altitude) on an airway is:

   • A.The highest altitude allowed for any operation
   • B.The published maximum usable altitude or flight level for an airway/jet route/RNAV route where adequate navigation signal reception is assured — represents procedural limits often from frequency interference
   • C.The freezing-level altitude
   • D.Maximum altitude allowed by ATC
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. The published maximum usable altitude or flight level for an airway/jet route/RNAV route where adequate navigation signal reception is assured — represents procedural limits often from frequency interference

   Per IPH Ch 2 (MAA), this is the highest altitude on a Federal airway, jet route, or RNAV route at which adequate reception of navigation signals is assured. MAAs represent procedural limits — typically due to technical limitations such as limited airspace or frequency interference between ground-based facilities.

   Source: FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B, 2017) — Ch 2, Maximum Authorized Altitude (MAA) (p. 2-36)

25 more Departure & Enroute questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

Airworthy is an independent study aid based on the FAA Airman Certification Standards for the Instrument Rating — Airplane knowledge test. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the FAA or any government agency.