Off-Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude (OROCA)


An off-route altitude which provides obstruction clearance with a 1,000 foot buffer in non-mountainous terrain areas and a 2,000 foot buffer in designated mountainous areas within the United States. This altitude may not provide signal coverage from ground-based navigational aids, air traffic control radar, or communications coverage.

Source: FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary (definition from the 2023 edition; current: Change 1 of 7 August 2025).

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Glossary last updated 2026-10-28.