Which term describes an IFR altitude lower than the minimum en route altitude that provides terrain and obstacle clearance?

• A. Minimum Vectoring Altitude
• B. Middle Marker
• C. Minimum vectoring altitude
• D. Mode C

Answer: (C)

Minimum vectoring altitude is the lowest altitude ATC can assign when you’re being radar-vector guided, and it ensures obstacle clearance within the radar coverage area. This altitude is set specifically for the environment where ATC provides radar vectors, so you can descend or stay at that level with confidence that you won’t hit terrain or obstacles in that sector. It often sits below the minimum en route altitude because MEA is designed to guarantee both obstacle clearance and reliable navigational signal reception along the route, while MVA’s requirement is centered on obstacle clearance under radar control. If you’re outside radar coverage, you’d rely on higher altitudes like the MEA to maintain terrain and obstacle clearance.

The other options don’t fit the concept: a middle marker is a marker beacon used on ILS approaches, and Mode C is the altitude-reporting capability of the transponder; the term with capitalization variants describes the same idea of minimum vectoring altitude.