Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What does the Off-Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude (OROCA) provide?

1. Obstruction clearance with a 1,000-foot buffer in all terrain

2. Only obstruction clearance in non-mountainous terrain

3. Obstruction clearance with 2,000-foot buffer in designated mountainous areas

4. Both A and C are correct

The correct answer is: Both A and C are correct

The Off-Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude (OROCA) is designed to provide pilots with a level of safety by ensuring obstruction clearance above the highest terrain and obstacles along an intended route that is not on a defined airway. This altitude is established to enhance situational awareness, especially in areas where route navigation might deviate from established airways. OROCA provides a 1,000-foot buffer over the highest terrain and obstacles in non-mountainous areas to ensure that aircraft can safely clear obstructions. In mountainous regions, the OROCA includes a more conservative buffer of 2,000 feet to account for the more challenging terrain features and potential uncertainties such as rising terrain or unexpected obstacles. By including both the 1,000-foot buffer in non-mountainous areas and the 2,000-foot buffer in mountainous regions, the OROCA effectively addresses the varying risks associated with different types of terrain. This ensures that pilots can fly safely without significant risk from obstructions along their route. As a result, the correct understanding encompasses both aspects—this leads to the conclusion that both statements regarding the buffers in different terrain types are correct.