MCA stands for which altitude concept?

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

Answer: (C)

On instrument approach procedures, the altitude you must cross a designated navigation fix at is called the Minimum Crossing Altitude. It’s the lowest altitude that ensures obstacle clearance for the segment beyond that fix, so you may cross the fix at or above this altitude and then follow the chart’s descent profile to the next segment or the runway. Crossing lower would risk terrain or obstacle clearance ahead, while crossing higher is acceptable but not required beyond meeting the MCA.

That’s why the option meaning Minimum Crossing Altitude is the correct interpretation. The other terms aren’t used on approach charts for this purpose, and a term like Minimum Clearance Altitude isn’t the standard designation for crossing a fix.