SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-msa-1000

A Minimum Safe Altitude on an approach chart gives how much obstacle clearance?

1,000 feet, but not necessarily signal coverage.

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  1. 1,000 feet, with no guaranteed navigation signal coverage ✔
  2. 500 feet, with guaranteed signal coverage
  3. 2,000 feet within 5 miles

Why: The AIM says MSAs provide 1,000 feet of clearance over all obstacles but do not necessarily assure acceptable navigation signal coverage. They normally have a 25 NM radius.

Huh, didn't know that: MSAs are for emergency use on approach and departure charts.

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The three most useless things to a pilot are the altitude above you, the runway behind you, and a tenth of a second ago.
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References

Answer: 1,000 feet, with no guaranteed navigation signal coverage. The AIM says MSAs provide 1,000 feet of clearance over all obstacles but do not necessarily assure acceptable navigation signal coverage. They normally have a 25 NM radius.

  1. AIM 5-4 Instrument Approach Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_4.html
    MSAs provide 1,000 feet of clearance over all obstacles, but do not necessarily assure acceptable navigation signal coverage.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

FlyingThe authorized DA/DH or MDA for an approach is which of the available values?FlyingBelow DA, which condition must you meet to continue to land?FlyingIn which situation may you not make a procedure turn unless ATC clears you?

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