Description

Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) is the lowest altitude, expressed in feet AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level (MSL)), to which a radar controller may issue aircraft altitude clearances during vectoring/direct routing except if otherwise authorized for radar approaches, departures and missed approaches. MVA may also be referred to as Minimum Flight Altitude (MFA), Minimum Radar Vectoring Altitude (MRVA) or ATC Surveillance Minimum Altitude (ASMA).

For the purpose of this article, the MVA term will be used.

Vectoring

“Provision of navigational guidance to aircraft in the form of specific headings, based on the use of an air traffic services surveillance system.” (ICAO Doc 4444, PANS-ATM)

MVA Design

MVAs are established for use by the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) when Air Traffic Control (ATC) provide a surveillance service (usually radar).