What does MOCA guarantee along the route to ensure safety?

MOCA, which stands for Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude, is designed to ensure a safe vertical clearance from obstacles along a given route. The standards for MOCA provide a guaranteed clearance of obstacles by a minimum of 1000 feet in non-mountainous terrain and 2000 feet in mountainous terrain. This clearance is crucial for aviation safety, as it helps prevent aircraft from colliding with obstacles such as towers, buildings, and natural terrain.

The guarantee of obstacle clearance by 1000/2000 feet ensures that pilots have a defined vertical buffer, regardless of the specific topographical or navigational challenges they may encounter along their flight path. This level of clearance is especially important in areas where terrain height can vary significantly and in mountainous regions where additional height is necessary to account for sudden changes in elevation. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the MOCA's role in safeguarding aircraft and enhancing flight safety.