Which statement describes the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA)?

• A. The minimum altitude for radar coverage providing obstacle clearance for vectors in a sector.
• B. The maximum altitude allowed on a sector.
• C. Altitude at which you must contact ATC.
• D. Altitude used to separate en route segments.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is about obstacle clearance when ATC uses radar to assign headings. Minimum vectoring altitude is the lowest altitude at which radar coverage can reliably provide obstacle clearance for aircraft that ATC is vectoring within a given sector. This means ATC can safely issue headings to keep you clear of terrain or obstacles, as long you’re above that altitude (within radar coverage). If you’re below this height, radar constraints may not guarantee you won’t encounter obstacles, so ATC may not vector you in that area.

This fits the statement describing MVAs exactly. It’s not about the maximum altitude in a sector, nor about when you must contact ATC, and it isn’t the general altitude used to separate en route segments—that role belongs to other altitude restrictions like MEA/MOA concepts.