What does OROCA provide?

The correct answer is that OROCA, or Obstacle Route Clearance Altitude, provides obstacle clearance within a specified lateral distance from the designated route. OROCA is designed to ensure that aircraft maintain a safe altitude above terrain and obstacles when flying off established airways and routes. Specifically, it guarantees a vertical clearance of at least 1,000 feet above obstacles in non-mountainous areas and 2,000 feet in mountainous regions, within a 4 nautical mile lateral buffer from the course centerline.

This altitude is particularly important for pilots who may be navigating in areas where they are not on a defined airway, helping to enhance safety during flight in less controlled airspace. Hence, it serves as a critical tool for IFR navigation by ensuring adequate vertical separation from obstacles.