What does the flag icon with an X inside near a VOR box indicate in chart symbology?

What does the flag icon with an X inside near a VOR box indicate in chart symbology?

• A. Maximum Crossing Altitude
• B. Median Crossing Altitude
• C. Minimum Clearance Altitude
• D. Minimum Crossing Altitude

Answer: (D)

A flag with an X near a VOR fix communicates a specific altitude constraint at that point: you must cross the fix at or above the published minimum crossing altitude. This altitude is set to ensure obstacle clearance right at the moment you pass the fix, even if the surrounding segments allow lower altitudes. It’s a crossing altitude restriction, not a general minimum en route altitude or a minimum clearance altitude, and it is tied to that exact fix on the chart. After crossing the fix, you may descend to the next published altitude as permitted.

A flag with an X near a VOR fix communicates a specific altitude constraint at that point: you must cross the fix at or above the published minimum crossing altitude. This altitude is set to ensure obstacle clearance right at the moment you pass the fix, even if the surrounding segments allow lower altitudes. It’s a crossing altitude restriction, not a general minimum en route altitude or a minimum clearance altitude, and it is tied to that exact fix on the chart. After crossing the fix, you may descend to the next published altitude as permitted.