Definition
A controller's chart that depicts the minimum vectoring altitudes for each sector of a radar facility's airspace. Each sector shows the lowest altitude, in feet MSL, at which an air traffic controller may radar vector an IFR aircraft, providing required obstacle clearance (typically 1,000 feet over non-mountainous terrain and 2,000 feet over designated mountainous terrain) within that sector.
Plain English
A map used by air traffic controllers that shows the lowest altitude they can legally tell you to fly in each chunk of their airspace while giving you radar headings. It keeps you safely above terrain and obstacles in that area.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying discussions about radar vectors and minimum vectoring altitudes. Pilots usually do not use the MVA chart directly; controllers use it when assigning headings and altitudes.
Why Pilots Care
It defines the safe altitude floor during radar vectors so pilots avoid terrain and obstacles even when not on a published route.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an MVA chart is a chart pilots normally fly from. It is mainly an ATC tool that shows the lowest safe vectoring altitudes controllers may use in specific areas.
Example Sentence 1
Approach assigned us 4,000 feet on the vector because that was the MVA for that sector on their chart.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the pilot noted the MVA chart altitudes for the sector being vectored.