Originally Posted by
Genghis the Engineer
Surely MSA is only an IFR concept - remaining at least 1000ft above anything within 5nm at all times. It has no relevance VFR.
Of course the concept of a minimum safe altitude (note non-use of capital letters) is relevant in VFR ops, but beyond being legal, it should be about a rational judgement about always being able to handle an engine failure, not bump into anything, and being unlikely to inadvertently enter controlled airspace. What is sensible will depend upon multiple factors, of which the numbers marked on a chart for IFR flight planning, and not one of those factors. The use of simple factors and numbers, getting pilots - including student pilots - off the hook of looking hard at the chart and forming a useful judgment, does not seem to me wise.
G
As Genghis says - MEA and MSA are IFR concepts. Student (and instructor?) needs to revise VFR regulations.