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In aviation terminology, MEA stands for Minimum Enroute Altitude. This is a crucial consideration for flight planning and navigation. The MEA represents the lowest altitude that a pilot must maintain while flying along a specific route segment in the enroute phase of flight. This altitude ensures the aircraft will be safely above terrain and obstacles and guarantees adequate radio communication coverage with air traffic control along the route.

The MEA also provides a buffer against any potential signal loss, ensuring that the pilot can receive important navigational and safety updates during flight. The designation of MEAs is determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is published on aeronautical charts.

Understanding MEA is essential for aircraft dispatchers, as they must ensure that flights are planned to comply with these altitude requirements, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance during flight operations.