Mountainous Area/Region

A mountainous area or region is a geographic area designated by Transport Canada as having terrain that requires higher obstacle clearance standards for IFR operations. In mountainous areas, the minimum obstacle clearance buffers are doubled compared to non-mountainous terrain — 2,000 ft instead of 1,000 ft.

Designated Mountainous Areas in Canada

Mountainous areas in Canada include the Rocky Mountains, Coast Mountains, and other ranges in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and parts of Quebec and Newfoundland. These areas are depicted on IFR en route charts with specific symbols. All IFR minimum altitudes (MEA, MOCA, AMA) in these areas carry the higher clearance buffer.

Why Higher Clearance?

Mountain terrain is characterized by rapid altitude changes, frequent valley obscuration, severe weather (mountain waves, orographic precipitation, icing), and limited emergency landing options. The 2,000 ft obstacle clearance provides additional margin for these factors.

Related Terms

See also: AMA, MEA, Mountain Wave.