MCA stands for which term?

MCA stands for which term?

• A. Minimum Crossing Altitude
• B. Maximum Crossing Altitude
• C. Minimum Clearance Altitude
• D. Minimum Cross-Altitude

Answer: (A)

Minimum Crossing Altitude is the lowest altitude you must cross a specific point on an instrument flight procedure to ensure obstacle clearance for the segment that follows. On charts you’ll see a crossing altitude published at a fix, and you’re required to be at or above that altitude as you pass the fix. After crossing, you may descend to the next published altitude as the procedure allows. This term specifically applies to crossing constraints on routes and approaches, not a maximum limit or a general minimum clearance for the entire leg. The other options aren’t standard terms used on IFR charts for this purpose.

Minimum Crossing Altitude is the lowest altitude you must cross a specific point on an instrument flight procedure to ensure obstacle clearance for the segment that follows. On charts you’ll see a crossing altitude published at a fix, and you’re required to be at or above that altitude as you pass the fix. After crossing, you may descend to the next published altitude as the procedure allows.

This term specifically applies to crossing constraints on routes and approaches, not a maximum limit or a general minimum clearance for the entire leg. The other options aren’t standard terms used on IFR charts for this purpose.