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2 Answers

“MOCA” altitudes on T-Routes (Example: *5000)

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Airspace

What does the starred altitude on a T-Route indicate? On  T-Routes, there are MEAs (example 5000G) with a starred value beneath it (example *4300). What exactly is this "starred" altitude/does it's altitude mean?

It' mimics the VOR MOCA, but there's no need for a MOCA-type value on a T-route, especially when considering the definition of MOCA for flying Victor Routes. I've looked everywhere on the FAA sites and haven't found anything explaining this...

Thanks,

Ed

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Mar 18, 2020

    A MOCA only guarantees obstacle clearance.
    An MEA guarantees obstacle clearance, navigational signal coverage (not applicable here) AND two-way communications.

    I think that’s your answer.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Mar 18, 2020

    Russ is correct, and this is a bit of a training problem. Too many FAA instructional references define MEA only in terms of altitude and signal. This, from the Instrument Procedures Handbook is an example.

    “Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA). The MEA is the lowest published altitude between radio fixes that assures acceptable navigational signal coverage and meets obstacle clearance requirements between those fixes.”

    I think the obstruction/nav only definition is also on the knowledge test. That leads many to think communication coverage is not a factor, and likely led to this common question.

    But there are indeed references. For example, this is from FAA Order 8260.19H, “Flight Procedures and Airspace.”

    “The GNSS MEA must be an altitude at or above the MOCA and provide communication capability as required in TERPS.”

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