What does MORA stand for and what does it provide?

MORA stands for Minimum Off Route Altitudes, which are essential for ensuring safe air navigation. The concept behind MORA is to provide pilots with altitude guidelines that ensure a minimum vertical clearance of 1000 feet from terrain and obstacles in areas that are not on established airways. This safety measure is critical, especially when aircraft are flying off established routes or in less controlled environments, as it helps to prevent collisions with terrain and obstacles that are not visible on navigational aids.

The specifics of MORA contribute significantly to flight safety, particularly in mountainous or diverse topographical regions where terrain can pose a risk to aircraft. By having these minimum altitude requirements, pilots can maintain a safe margin above potential hazards, ultimately enhancing situational awareness and promoting safer flight operations.