At what point should a pilot begin to climb to the new MEA?

The recommended procedure for a pilot to begin climbing to the new Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) is upon reaching the fix. This approach ensures that the aircraft is at a stable altitude before initiating the climb, allowing for a smooth transition to the new altitude while maintaining safe separation from obstacles and terrain.

By starting the climb upon reaching the fix, the pilot can also verify that they are accurately positioned along the route, confirming their navigation accuracy. It is essential to be at or above the MEA when flying along an airway to ensure adequate terrain clearance and comply with regulatory requirements. Initiating the climb too early may lead to altitude busts or unsafe flight conditions, while waiting until after passing the fix could result in unnecessary delays in reaching the required altitude.

This procedure underlines the importance of timing in IFR operations, as altitude changes are often critical to maintaining safe and efficient flight operations in controlled airspace.