What is the recommended altitude for filing IFR flight plans in mountainous areas?

Filing an IFR flight plan in mountainous areas entails specific considerations for altitude to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The correct altitude to file is above the Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA). The MEA is established to provide a safe vertical clearance above obstacles, including mountain terrain, as well as to ensure reliable navigation signal reception.

When flying at or above the MEA, pilots are assured of avoiding most obstacles in the area, which is particularly important in mountainous regions where terrain can vary sharply and unexpectedly. Moreover, the MEA also takes into consideration the airspace structure and ensures that flights remain safely within controlled airspace as necessary.

In contrast, other altitude options do not guarantee the same level of safety or regulatory compliance. For instance, flying at or below the highest terrain does not ensure clearance during flight, as this could lead to terrain collision during possible altitude changes or disturbances. Similarly, flying at least 1,000 feet above the valleys may not be sufficient in mountainous regions considering the varying heights of nearby peaks. Finally, a threshold of lower than 2,000 feet above the mountains could potentially lead to hazardous conditions during flight, particularly during turbulence or if the terrain unexpectedly changes. Thus, selecting an altitude above the MEA provides the