FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
An airway intersection is defined using a radial from an off-course VOR. The chart lists a Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA) of 5,500 feet MSL at that intersection, while the MEA for the airway segment is 4,000 feet MSL. If a pilot flies the segment at 4,000 feet, what is the operational significance of the MRA?
- AThe MRA applies only to aircraft using DME and has no effect on VOR-only navigation
- BThe pilot may be unable to receive the signal needed to identify the intersection at 4,000 feet and may need to climb to 5,500 feet to positively identify the fix
- CThe pilot must fly no lower than 5,500 feet for obstacle clearance throughout the entire segment
- DThe MRA replaces the MEA as the minimum enroute altitude for the whole airway segment
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The pilot may be unable to receive the signal needed to identify the intersection at 4,000 feet and may need to climb to 5,500 feet to positively identify the fix
MRA is the lowest altitude at which an off-course NAVAID can be received to determine a fix; it is a reception issue, not an obstacle-clearance altitude like the MEA. At 4,000 feet the pilot may not receive the defining radial and must climb toward 5,500 feet to identify the intersection, even though 4,000 feet remains safe for obstacle clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. MRA applies to VOR/VORTAC-defined fixes generally, not exclusively DME.
- C. MRA is a signal-reception limit, not a general obstacle-clearance floor for the segment.
- D. The MEA still governs required altitude for obstacle clearance; MRA only affects fix identification.
Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA)
The lowest altitude at which an intersection can be determined using an off-course NAVAID facility, based on signal reception, not obstacle clearance.
- Published only where needed for intersections defined by off-course facilities
- May be higher than the segment MEA
- Affects ability to identify a fix, not general obstacle clearance
Memory trick: MRA = 'Must Rise for Antenna' reception