Andrew Sarangan wrote:

This is some good info about MSA that I did not realize. But I am
still a bit confused. The AIM says that MSA provides 1000 ft clearance
over all obstacles, implying that it satisfies the minimum IFR
altitudes (in non-mountainous areas). Is this statement incorrect?
Also, if the MSA is not accurate for IFR, how much extra work is it
anyway to produce a chart with an MSA that conforms to IFR standards?
The numbers are already available from the enroute charts, so it can't
be that difficult, right?


The AIM parrots the cartographic standard set forth for MSAs. What I explained is the
reality of how they are constructed. They are intended for emergency use, and with
today's technology their value for that use is questionable.

In any case, the altitude you really want is the center's minimum instrument altitude
sectors on a moving map. Or, approach control's MVA sectors on a moving map when in a
TRACON's airspace. Those are coming, because the FAA recently relented and agreed to
release them (well, the MVAs anyway). It will be a while though.