Plain English Meaning

Two related 'how low can we go under IFR' altitudes. MVA is the lowest altitude a controller is allowed to send you to when they're guiding you on radar. MIA is the lowest altitude you're allowed to fly under instrument rules, based on the minimums printed on your charts.

Full Definition

MVA (Minimum Vectoring Altitude) is the lowest altitude, expressed in feet above mean sea level, at which an air traffic controller may legally vector an aircraft under radar control. It is established for each sector within a controller's airspace and provides required obstacle clearance — generally 1,000 feet above the highest in and 2,000 feet in designated — while also accounting for radar and coverage. MVAs are depicted on the controller's but are not published on charts. MIA () is the lowest altitude at which IFR operations may be conducted, as prescribed in . MIAs include published minimum altitudes (), minimum altitudes (), and other charted that appear on to .