What is the primary purpose of Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA)?

• A. To determine the final approach intercept height.
• B. To identify the altitude at which an airway intersection can be determined.
• C. To establish the altitude for the missed approach point.
• D. To designate the altitude for the circling maneuver.

Answer: (B)

Minimum Reception Altitude is the lowest altitude at which you can reliably receive a navigation aid and determine your position at an airway intersection. It reflects the point along an enroute segment where the signal strength and geometry are sufficient for a fix using that navaid. Above this altitude, you can identify where you are on the route by the intersection, while below it the signal may be too weak to determine the fix accurately. This concept is about navigation signal reception and position fixing, not about final approach intercept heights, missed-approach points, or circling minimums.