Is this answer right?

[mikec]

I'm studying for the IFR knowledge test using Sporty's online course. I came across an answer that seems correct to me, but Sporty's says it is incorrect.

Here is the question:

Capture1.PNG (20.38 KiB) Viewed 4326 times

Here is the portion of the chart being referenced:

Capture2.PNG (277.51 KiB) Viewed 4326 times

Note that the question specifically asks for the minimum altitude crossing GYMME. The arrows east and west on GYMME only specify the MEA, not the crossing altitude. If there was a crossing altitude there would be an X flag on the intersection, right? So, if I was previously eastbound at 6,500 my minimum crossing altitude should be 6,500, right? I would want to start a climb to 7,000 when practicable, but the crossing altitude is 6,500. Am I misunderstanding this?

Thanks,
Mike

[RyanK]

The MEA is 7000 for the entirety of BTG-LTJ eastbound. The 6500 doesn't apply since it's only for westbound between GYMME and BTJ.

[bbuckley]

So, if I was previously eastbound at 6,500 my minimum crossing altitude should be 6,500, right?

I'm not sure how you would be eastbound on the airway at 6500... so I would have said 7000 since from BTG to GYMME eastbound (and the entire segment to LTJ for that matter) the MEA is 7000. Let's see what experts say...

[Kyle.Sanders]

"Lowest altitude for crossing a radio fix beyond which there is a higher MEA is the MEA at which fix is approached. Eg, if 4200 on one side and 4500 on other means 4200 over intersection then climb."
- source: http://nashvillecfi.com/instrument/enroute.html



But if you are on a higher MEA segment and then reach a change in MEA to lower altitude, maintain that higher MEA until reaching the point where the change happens.

In your case, if I was westbound, I would maintain 7,000 until after GYMME.

If I was eastbound, I would maintain 6,500 and start a climb up to 7,000 after GYMME.

[RyanK]

If I was eastbound, I would maintain 6,500 and start a climb up to 7,000 after GYMME.

The arrow with the 6500 indicates that it applies to the westbound direction. 7000 is the MEA if you're heading east.

[Kyle.Sanders]

If I was eastbound, I would maintain 6,500 and start a climb up to 7,000 after GYMME.

The arrow with the 6500 indicates that it applies to the westbound direction. 7000 is the MEA if you're heading east.

You are correct. I messed it up.

[mikec]

Ah ... so the arrows indicate eastbound/westbound and not east-of-fix/west-of-fix. Duh! Got it now.

[Kyle.Sanders]

Ah ... so the arrows indicate eastbound/westbound and not east-of-fix/west-of-fix. Duh! Got it now.

Yeah, I knew that but it still got me lol