Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is defined as which of the following and where is it typically shown?

Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is defined as which of the following and where is it typically shown?

• A. A minimum altitude to guarantee radio communications, depicted on approach plates within 25 NM of the airport
• B. A published altitude on an instrument approach procedure within 25 NM of the airport for obstacle and terrain avoidance, not necessarily supporting radio communications
• C. The minimum altitude for filing a flight plan along a VFR corridor
• D. The altitude used for standard holding patterns at the destination

Answer: (B)

Minimum Safe Altitude is the published altitude that provides obstacle and terrain clearance within a defined area around the navigation aid used by an instrument approach, typically within 25 NM. The idea is to give you a safe buffer during the initial and intermediate segments of an approach when radar coverage or precise navigation signals may be limited. On approach charts, you’ll see MSAs shown for the sector around the navigating aid, indicating a minimum altitude that ensures at least a standard clearance from obstacles (commonly 1,000 ft, or 2,000 ft in mountainous terrain). It’s about staying safe from terrain and obstacles and ensuring you can continue the approach using the navigation aid—not a guarantee of radio communications with ATC. It is depicted on instrument approach procedures, not used for VFR corridors or for determining holding patterns at the destination.

Minimum Safe Altitude is the published altitude that provides obstacle and terrain clearance within a defined area around the navigation aid used by an instrument approach, typically within 25 NM. The idea is to give you a safe buffer during the initial and intermediate segments of an approach when radar coverage or precise navigation signals may be limited. On approach charts, you’ll see MSAs shown for the sector around the navigating aid, indicating a minimum altitude that ensures at least a standard clearance from obstacles (commonly 1,000 ft, or 2,000 ft in mountainous terrain). It’s about staying safe from terrain and obstacles and ensuring you can continue the approach using the navigation aid—not a guarantee of radio communications with ATC. It is depicted on instrument approach procedures, not used for VFR corridors or for determining holding patterns at the destination.