What does MCA stand for in IFR procedures?

What does MCA stand for in IFR procedures?

• A. Minimum Crossing Angle
• B. Mean Crossing Altitude
• C. Mandatory Crossing Altitude
• D. Minimum Crossing Altitude

Answer: (D)

Minimum Crossing Altitude is the lowest altitude at which you must cross a specified navigation fix on an IFR procedure. It’s set to ensure obstacle clearance and safe transition to the next segment or course, such as after a turn or when stepping down to the next leg. On charts, the MCA is listed at the fix, and you are expected to cross that point at or above this altitude unless ATC assigns a different altitude. The other terms aren’t standard IFR terminology, so MCA is the correct label for this concept.

Minimum Crossing Altitude is the lowest altitude at which you must cross a specified navigation fix on an IFR procedure. It’s set to ensure obstacle clearance and safe transition to the next segment or course, such as after a turn or when stepping down to the next leg. On charts, the MCA is listed at the fix, and you are expected to cross that point at or above this altitude unless ATC assigns a different altitude. The other terms aren’t standard IFR terminology, so MCA is the correct label for this concept.