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MINIMUM CROSSING ALTITUDE (MCA)

Pilot/Controller Glossary with JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

The lowest altitude at certain fixes at which an aircraft must cross when proceeding in the direction of a higher minimum en route IFR altitude (MEA).

See MINIMUM EN ROUTE IFR ALTITUDE (MEA).

Also called MCA.

In the 7110.65

Used in 2 paragraphs of JO 7110.65BB.

  1. 1-2-6Abbreviations
  2. 4-5-6Minimum En Route Altitudes (MEA)