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2 Answers

MOCAs on Tango routes & GPS MEAs higher than MOCA

Asked by: 7888 views , ,
FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating

I recently noticed a Tango route (GPS route) that is NOT to/from a VOR has both a MOCA and a (higher) GPS MEA.  Any ideas on how/why this is possible?

Examples: T302 & T304 10 & 22 NM N of DSD, going NW.

The MOCA is to provide obstacle clearance and signal coverage within 22 NM of the station.  When using GPS, you don't need a signal from the station.

Being a more traditional RNAV system (triangulating multiple ground stations) seems like they'd need a higher altitude than a GPS receiver.

 

& similar thought, I've seen a number of GPS MEAs that are accompanied by a lower MOCA well clear of the 22 NM signal coverage limit.  Why?

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2 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Feb 07, 2014

    I think the error is in thinking that because certain things like obstacle clearance and signal coverage are guaranteed, they are other only considerations in establishing the location and altitude of routes.

    If you look at the very short history of T-routes, you’ll see that their primary purposes was the establishment of routes around and through high traffic-density airspace. As such, I would expect the MEA for a T-Route to be based on traffic as well as those other factors.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Feb 07, 2014

    With apologies, let’s try that again in the English language:

    I think the error is in thinking that because certain things like obstacle clearance and signal coverage are guaranteed by a MEA, they are the only considerations in establishing the location and altitude of routes.

    If you look at the very short history of T-routes, you’ll see that their primary purposes was the establishment of routes around and through high traffic-density airspace. As such, I would expect the MEA for a T-Route to be based on traffic as well as those other factors.

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