How many nautical miles does the MSA extend?

The Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is a crucial component in aviation, specifically for ensuring safe navigation and obstacle clearance in a designated area. The correct answer indicates that the MSA extends for 25 nautical miles. This distance is generally established to provide adequate buffer space around obstacles, ensuring that aircraft can safely navigate without risk of terrain or object impact during the approach or departure phases of flight.

A 25 nautical mile radius allows pilots to maintain situational awareness and have a sufficient margin of safety while flying at lower altitudes. This measurement is particularly important in areas where there may be mountainous terrain or other significant obstacles that could pose hazards to aircraft operations.

The other options, while they may seem reasonable, do not reflect the standard practices established in aeronautical information, which typically adheres to a 25 nautical mile standard for safety in MSA. The consistency of this distance across many aviation references and regulations reinforces its importance in ensuring pilot safety and effective navigation.