Which of the following statements accurately describes MOCA?

MOCA, or Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude, is primarily designed to ensure that an aircraft maintains a safe distance from obstacles in the vicinity of the route being flown. It provides the necessary clearance from terrain and other obstacles, which is crucial for pilot safety during flight.

The key aspect of MOCA is that while it guarantees obstacle clearance, it does not necessarily provide navigational signal coverage in all areas. MOCA provides the minimum altitude that allows for obstacle clearance within a specified distance from the VOR navigating aid, but it must be understood that beyond that distance—specifically over 22 nautical miles from the VOR—there is no guarantee that the navigational signal will be available to pilots. Therefore, pilots need to ensure that they are also considering other factors, such as their navigation aids and potential terrain.

The focus of MOCA on obstacle clearance makes it an essential aspect of flight safety, particularly in mountainous or obstacle-rich environments, rather than a guarantee of navigational services or ATC coverage.