Gen 3.3

Question 1

What is the MFA for a route sector?

Answer 1

The higher of the following;
- Route MSA
- MRA for a VOR sector
- MEA for an NDB sector
- VHZ upper limit
- Danger or restricted area upper limit, where an appropriate separation buffer is added (ref ENR 1.1)

IFR cruising levels must be taken into account to give MFA

Where the next sector MFA requires a higher level, that sector must not be entered below that higher level unless there is a promulgated crossing altitude

Where aircraft have approved enroute area navigation equipment, compliance with MEA and MRA is not required

Question 2

Climb to MFA

Answer 2

To ensure obstacle clearance, aircraft on dep are required to climb to MSA at the promulgated minimum net climb gradient for the dep being flown. Unless a more restrictive requirement is published in the dep procedure, once above MSA the aircraft may continue to climb at a minimum net climb gradient of not less than 3.3% (200ft/Nm) to MFA

Question 3

Descent below MFA

Answer 3

May only be commenced in the following circumstances;

• in accordance with published denote descent (distance) steps, or VORSEC chart steps, or when under radar conrol, or;
• prior to the first distance or VORSEC step when;
  a positive fix has been established by an unambiguous DME readout for at least 15 seconds, or by use of an off track VOR or NDB provided the angle of intersection is 45 degrees or greater AND
  a positive tracking indication has been received by nav equipment for at least 15 seconds AND
  during descent aircraft nav equipment is actively monitored to ensure continuity of guidance
• descent is restricted to the higher of MSA or upper limit of VHZ, rest, MOA, danger (with buffer if req) and based on a descent grad of 5% (300ft/Nm) to the first distance or VORSEC step
• Within 10Nm of the aid or fix from which it is intended to conduct an instr app, decent is limited to whichever is higher, min holding altitude, procedure commencement alt, or MSA

Question 4

Emergency descent below MFA