What does MAA stand for in aviation terminology?

• A. Maximum Authorized Altitude
• B. Minimum Authorized Altitude
• C. Mean Authorized Altitude
• D. Mandatory Authorized Altitude

Answer: (B)

Minimum Authorized Altitude means the lowest altitude a pilot is officially allowed to fly on a given route or segment. It’s the floor that protects obstacle clearance and ensures the route’s navigation facilities will work reliably at that level. So when planning or flying IFR, you should stay at or above this altitude for that segment unless you’re using a different, authorized route or altitude that supersedes it. The other options describe different concepts—maximum, mean, or a mandatory altitude—which don’t match what this term is signaling.