minimum safe altitude (MSA)

MSA as it appears on IAP charts.

The altitude below which it is hazardous to fly because of the presence of high ground or other obstacles. MSAs are published for emergency use on instrument approach procedure (IAP) charts except RNAV (area navigation) IAPs. The MSA is defined using NDB (nondirectional beacon) or VOR (very high frequency omnidirection radio-range) facilities within a 25 (normally) or 30 NM (maximum) radius. If there is no VOR or NDB within 30 NM of the airport, there will be no MSA. The altitude shown provides at least 1000 ft of clearance above the highest obstacle in the defined sector.

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

Most I APs depict what the FAA calls the Minimum Safe Altitude within a given radius of a key navaid, such as a VOR.

Inside the MSA: whether it's "Minimum Safe" or "Minimum Sector," these approach altitudes don't get much attention unless there's a problem and you need to know just how low you can go

The asterisk indicates that the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning system is turned off for that aircraft, so he can fly as low as he wants without triggering MSAW altitude alarms.

Pop-up clearances: weather's gone to pot? No IFR flight plan on file? Don't worry. ATC can usually work with you on the fly. But, you must take care of yourself until they can take care of you

More than once I've been cleared to an altitude lower than the charted minimum safe altitude for the area.

Let yourself down: verify the altitude to which you can descend before pulling the plug. Even if you're off airways or being vectored, you'll find it on the chart

The final question is the minimum safe altitude to break out, see the runway, select landing flaps and be +51-0 Vref at 100 feet.

Semi-stable approaches: by creating an approach standard that tightens progressively, you keep your options open while maintaining control

Achieve a minimum safe altitude and then turn as required; and,

IFR GPS: good, bad or just ugly? In a few short years, GPS revolutionized light-plane IFR. Along with the added capability can come higher workload, though, along with greater complexity

Minimum Safe Altitude, Only Inside Distance of 25 nm

High stakes in Philly: commercial airports sport all the low-weather gear, but this attempt might be less steak and more like a soft pretzel

The approach control's Minimum Safe Altitude Warning alert had activated at 2319, and was presented on the radar display as a recurring "LA," indicating low altitude.

How low can we go? No matter how badly we want to be on the ground, we have to maintain minimum altitudes on approaches

The minimum safe altitude (MSA) circle deserves more than a passing glance in mountainous areas.

Briefing the airport: briefing the approach as you descend from cruise should be the last step in a long chain when you're flying somewhere new

On the departure airport's IAP chart you'll also find the area's minimum safe altitude (MSA--sometimes minimum sector altitude) for each quadrant.

Departing non-towered airports: when there's no charted departure procedure and the weather's down the tubes, use these tips to do it on your own

The minimum safe altitude along your propsed route is a heckuva lot higher than pattern altitude at home, isn't it?

Unfamiliar territory: going wisely where you've never gone before means putting in a lot more preparation than your did for your last trip to Grandma's house

Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is now "expressed in feet

The quiz

The Minimum Safe Altitude in this area is 2000 MSL.

The quiz

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.