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RNAV SID

Asked by: 4392 views Airspace, FAA Regulations

Initial post below with original question: Why do some RNAV SIDs have MEAs/MOCAs and some RNAV SIDs do not have any MEAs/ MOCAs? Example: KMIA Deeep One RNAV SID contains MEAs/MOCAs.  KMIA Hedly One RNAV SID does not contain any MEAs/MOCAs. Thanks for the feedback. Below is another thought of which I am curious to hear feedback: Furthermore:—Hedly One for example Since DME/DME RNAV can be utilized, a pilot should want to know the MEA/MOCA so that one can determine optimal ground based navaid (VOR) reception along the entire SID route since radar vectors will only be utilized for a portion of the route.Once “resume own navigation” is applied, a pilot needs to understand which altitude will provide safe obstacle clearance and navaid reception. Per the SID note 5000 ft., and assuming my cruise altitude is only 5,000 ft, will 5,000 ft. provide terrain cleance and proper navaid reception for the entire rout of this SID? Even if utilizing GPS, a pilot does not need to be concerned with ground based navaid reception but does need to be concerned if 5,000 ft. will provide obstacle clearance assuming 5,000 ft. is the cruise altitude.

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1 Answers



  1. David Vancina on Oct 22, 2015

    Per the Instrument Procedures Handbook, “While obstacle protection is always considered in SID routing, the primary goal is to reduce ATC/pilot workload…”. So we’re safe at the altitudes prescribed in the SID, even if though that’s not the SID’s primary purpose.

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