aterpster. The question was about MSA, not designated mountainous areas, GRID MORA, etc. Focus son, focus.
But I do need to ask; How would MORA save a guy suffering from a lost com? Do you yanks have new rules about Comm Failures that require us to descend to the MORA 7 minutes after recognition that the radios ain't working?
sevenstrokeroll. I think you may be confusing MSA and MEA. MSA is always within the reception range of a radio aid to navigation. MEA (Minimum Enroute Altitude) is another story, and often includes MRA (Minimum Reception Altitude) which is often higher than the MEA.
It is agreed that the FAA has several oddities within their rules and procedures, but since over 65% of Pprune readers are European, it would seem that the majority will be interested in ICAO, EU-OPS, JAA, etc. What you yanks need to learn, is that outside of the USA, there is a thriving, safe and prosperous aviation community.