Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude named MOCA is the minimum altitude for a defined segment that provides the required obstacle clearance.
The MOCA is determined and published for each segment of the route. Charts will provide the proper horizontal and vertical separation at those areas where the existence of obstacles could be a factor for the safety of flights.
The MOCA will specify minimum vertical separation of 1000ft (300m) from the ground or landmarks. The MOCA may put an aircraft below ATC radar coverage (MRVA) and/or below the minimum reception altitude (MRA).
Pilots flying in the USA should know that the MOCA assures also 22NM VOR reception range
At the same time, certain aspects could affect this value, factors like terrain or mountainous areas could change this value according to the following circumstances.
The MOCA will specify minimum vertical separation:
- 1000ft (300m) separation when the obstacle elevations is below 3000ft (900m)
- 1500ft (450m) separation when the obstacle elevations is between 3000ft (900m) to 5000ft (1500m).
- 2000ft (600m) separation when the obstacle elevations is greater than 5000ft (1500m or more).
The MOCA is always related with one MEA.
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