What obstacle clearance does an MSA guarantee and to what distance?

• A. MIN SAFE ALT, 25 NM, 1000 FT OBSTACLE CLEARANCE
• B. Minimum Safe Altitude within 10 NM and 500 ft clearance
• C. Obstacle Clearance of 2000 ft within 15 NM
• D. 800 ft clearance within 25 NM

Answer: (A)

Minimum Safe Altitude provides a safety cushion for obstacles within a defined area on IFR charts. It designates an altitude that guarantees obstacle clearance within a specific radius around an airport or VOR, so pilots have a reliable minimum for safe navigation when precision is uncertain. The standard MSA circle covers 25 nautical miles, and within that area you are legally assured about at least 1000 feet of obstacle clearance above terrain or obstacles. In mountainous terrain, higher clearance (often 2000 feet) may be required, but the common MSA figure shown on charts is 1000 feet within 25 NM. So the best match is the option that states MIN SAFE ALT, 25 NM, and 1000 FT OBSTACLE CLEARANCE. The other combinations either change the distance or the clearance amount and don’t align with how MSA is defined.