Minimum Vectoring Altitude

摘要

Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) is the lowest MSL altitude where air traffic controllers can be reliably expected to have all aircraft visible on radar in a given local area. MVA meets IFR obstacle clearance requirements, as well as the physical ability to "see" airplanes on radar because of ground antenna placement and terrain. MVA is the lowest altitude at which ATC will vector an aircraft, and the minimum height at which ATC will clear a flight off airways or other published departure or arrival routes. What are the implications for pilots departing IFR from non-towered airports? Don't expect to pick up an instrument clearance in the air until you're above MVA for your current location. This can be significantly above ground level in hilly or mountainous terrain (that blocks radar signals), and in locations away from urban areas remote from ground-based radar antennas. Although controllers have charts depicting MVAs, these charts are not normally available to pilots. So unless you know the MVA for your departure airport-from your own experience, local pilot knowledge or a call to the controlling ATC facility asking the question-it's best to get your clearance on the ground if conditions are anything less than very good day VMC.