MSA is described as which of the following?

MSA is described as which of the following?

• A. An altitude within 25 NM of the airport for obstacle and terrain avoidance
• B. An altitude ensuring radio communications along a route
• C. An altitude published on an instrument approach procedure within 25 NM of the airport to sustain obstacle and terrain avoidance
• D. The standard cruising altitude above MEA

Answer: (C)

Minimum Safe Altitude provides guaranteed obstacle and terrain clearance in a defined area around the approach, typically a 25 NM radius. It’s the lowest altitude published on instrument approach procedures for that sector that ensures safe clearance if you’re navigating near the airport during the approach. This is shown on charts as the MSA value for the sectors around the airport, specifically to sustain obstacle and terrain avoidance. That’s why the described statement is the best answer: it captures that the altitude is published on the instrument approach procedure within 25 NM of the airport and is intended to maintain obstacle and terrain clearance. It isn’t about maintaining radio communications along a route, nor about cruising above the MEA, so those options don’t fit.

Minimum Safe Altitude provides guaranteed obstacle and terrain clearance in a defined area around the approach, typically a 25 NM radius. It’s the lowest altitude published on instrument approach procedures for that sector that ensures safe clearance if you’re navigating near the airport during the approach. This is shown on charts as the MSA value for the sectors around the airport, specifically to sustain obstacle and terrain avoidance.

That’s why the described statement is the best answer: it captures that the altitude is published on the instrument approach procedure within 25 NM of the airport and is intended to maintain obstacle and terrain clearance. It isn’t about maintaining radio communications along a route, nor about cruising above the MEA, so those options don’t fit.