What does the Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) ensure?

The Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) is specifically designed to ensure both obstacle clearance and navigational signal coverage. When flying at or above the MOCA, pilots are assured that they will clear all obstacles in the vicinity by a specified margin. This altitude is particularly important in mountainous or other challenging terrain where obstacles might be prevalent.

In addition to providing a safety margin above obstacles, the MOCA also guarantees that adequate navigational signal coverage is available for the pilot to maintain their course. This means that at this altitude, pilots can expect to receive reliable navigation signals, which is critical for instrument flight.

By ensuring both obstacle clearance and navigational signal integrity, the MOCA plays a vital role in maintaining safety and navigational reliability during flights, making it a key aspect of instrument flying regulations and practices.