§ 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.
Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:
(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.
(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
(d) Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft. If the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface—
(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, provided each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA; and
(2) A powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.
[Doc. No. 18334, 54 FR 34294, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91–311, 75 FR 5223, Feb. 1, 2010]
I've spent years studying aviation regulations, safety protocols, and flight operations. I've earned certifications in aviation safety and have practical experience in both manned and unmanned aerial systems. When it comes to regulations like those in § 91.119 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, I'm well-versed.
This section outlines the minimum safe altitudes for aircraft operation. It's a critical regulation that ensures the safety of both people on the ground and those in the air. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Minimum Safe Altitudes:
- The regulation specifies different altitudes based on the area being traversed and the type of aircraft.
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Emergency Landing Clearance:
- It mandates that aircraft must fly at an altitude where, in the event of an engine failure, they can perform an emergency landing without endangering people or property on the ground.
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Altitude Requirements Over Congested Areas:
- Within congested areas, such as cities or gatherings of people, the minimum altitude is set at 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a certain horizontal radius to prevent accidents in densely populated regions.
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Altitude Requirements Over Other Areas:
- In non-congested areas, the minimum altitude is 500 feet above the surface, unless operating over open water or sparsely populated areas, in which case the aircraft should not come closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
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Special Provisions for Certain Aircraft:
- Helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft have some flexibility in altitude requirements if they operate without risking people or property on the ground. Helicopters may operate at reduced minimums, while powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft have specific provisions under which they can operate at less than the prescribed altitudes.
Understanding and adhering to these regulations are crucial for pilots to ensure the safety of their flights and the people and property below. Compliance with these standards is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of responsible aviation operation.
