FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsEasy
An en route low-altitude chart depicts an MEA of 4,000 feet along a segment of a Victor airway. What does this published MEA guarantee to a pilot flying that segment?
- AObstacle clearance only, with no guarantee of signal reception
- BAcceptable navigational signal coverage and required obstacle clearance
- CNavigational signal coverage only, with no guarantee of obstacle clearance
- DThe minimum altitude ATC will assign for radar vectoring in that area
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Acceptable navigational signal coverage and required obstacle clearance
The Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) is the lowest published altitude between radio fixes that ensures both acceptable navigational signal coverage and the required obstacle clearance for that airway segment. It does not apply to radar vectoring, which uses the Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) instead.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incomplete — MEA also ensures navigational signal reception, not just obstacle clearance.
- C. Incomplete — MEA also ensures obstacle clearance, not just signal coverage.
- D. Incorrect — MVA, not MEA, is used by ATC for radar vector altitudes.
Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA)
The lowest published altitude between radio fixes on a federal airway that meets obstacle clearance requirements and assures acceptable navigational signal coverage.
- MEA provides both signal reception and obstacle clearance
- MOCA gives obstacle clearance only, with reduced signal guarantee within 22nm of the VOR
- MEAs are shown on the airway segment on en route low-altitude charts
Memory trick: MEA = 'Must Ensure Antenna' — signal AND safety