Minimum Safe Altitudes (MSA) provide how much foot obstacle clearance?

Minimum Safe Altitudes (MSA) are critical in aviation for ensuring safe vertical separation from obstacles. The MSA provides a 1,000-foot clearance above the highest obstacle within a specified radius of a navigation facility. This standardized altitude is designed to support the safety and operational needs of aircraft during both visual flight operations and in emergencies, such as when a pilot may need to navigate in poor visibility or unexpected weather conditions. The 1,000-foot clearance ensures that there is ample margin for safety, accounting for variations in terrain and potential errors in altitude reporting or navigation. This systematic approach helps pilots maintain safe altitudes while offering a detailed reference for waypoint navigation and facilitating safe flight operations around obstacles.