What altitude clearance is provided by OROCA in non-mountainous terrain?

OROCA (Orographic Minimum Off-Route Clearance Altitude) is designed to ensure safe vertical separation from terrain and obstacles in non-mountainous areas. Specifically, OROCA provides a minimum clearance of 1,000 feet above the highest terrain or obstacle within the defined area of interest. This altitude is crucial for flight safety, allowing pilots to maintain a buffer from potential hazards that may not be depicted on charts.

In mountainous terrain, the clearance is increased to 2,000 feet to account for the more variable and unpredictable nature of the landscape. This allows for enhanced safety margins in regions where terrain can rise unexpectedly. In contrast, in non-mountainous areas, a clearance of 1,000 feet is typically sufficient. Therefore, the choice of 1,000 feet reflects the standard practices intended to help ensure that aircraft can safely navigate away from obstacles in less rugged terrain.