When flying IFR, what is the significance of the Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA)?

Question: When flying IFR, what is the significance of the Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA)?

Answer options:

• The lowest altitude at which DME is reliable ✅ The lowest altitude providing acceptable navigation signal coverage and meeting obstacle clearance requirements
• The highest altitude authorized for IFR flight within that segment
• The altitude at which the aircraft achieves its best fuel economy

Correct answer: The lowest altitude providing acceptable navigation signal coverage and meeting obstacle clearance requirements

Explanation: The MEA (Minimum En Route Altitude) is the lowest published altitude that ensures acceptable navigational signal coverage and meets obstacle clearance requirements along an airway or segment.