What does the acronym MOCA stand for in aviation?

MOCA stands for Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude. This term is crucial for navigation safety, particularly in mountainous or obstacle-rich areas. MOCA provides a specified altitude that ensures aircraft will maintain a safe vertical clearance above obstacles within a defined route segment. By adhering to MOCA, pilots can ensure they are flying at an altitude that offers obstacle clearance, which is critical for avoiding collisions during flight, especially when flying in less-than-ideal visibility conditions or while navigating through challenging terrain. This concept is essential for flight planning and ensuring that aircraft have adequate safety margins during enroute operations.