Definition

The minimum en-route altitude (MEA) is the altitude for an en-route segment that provides adequate reception of relevant navigation facilities and ATS communications, complies with the airspace structure and provides the required obstacle clearance. (ICAO Doc 8168 - PANS-OPS)

Description

Put simply, the MEA is the lowest altitude to be flown in an airspace structure which assures:

• reception of navigation aids necessary to navigate accurately along the required route,
• two-way communication with air traffic control,
• safe clearance from obstacles within the sector, and
• conformity with any air traffic control procedures applicable within the sector.

Related Articles

• Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA)
• Minimum Sector Altitude (MSA) (MSA)
• Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA) (MOCA)
• Terminal Arrival Altitude (TAA) (TAA)