What does MOCA stand for?

The term "MOCA" stands for Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude. This is a specific altitude that provides a safety buffer over obstacles in the vicinity of a route. The MOCA guarantees that an aircraft will remain clear of any obstructions along its course while also ensuring navigational signal coverage, which is particularly crucial for flight paths where terrain may vary significantly.

When determining the MOCA, the relevant airspace authorities take into account the height of the tallest obstacles within a specified radius of the route. Pilots rely on this altitude during their flights to ensure they remain at a safe vertical distance above potential hazards, thereby enhancing flight safety. It is also particularly important in environments where terrain features may pose risks to low-level flight operations. Understanding and utilizing the MOCA minimizes the likelihood of incidents caused by unexpected obstacles.