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Except for takeoff and landing, what is the minimum altitude over a congested area such as a town?
1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally.
- 1,000 ft above highest obstacle within 2,000 ft ✔
- 500 ft above the highest obstacle
- 1,000 ft above the ground
Why: Rule 91.119(b) requires 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000 foot radius over congested areas. That gives room to glide clear if the engine quits.
Huh, didn't know that: Rule 91.119 also requires, everywhere, an altitude that allows an emergency landing without undue hazard to people or property below.
What is the tallest building in town? The library, because it has the most stories.
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References
Answer: 1,000 ft above highest obstacle within 2,000 ft. Rule 91.119(b) requires 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000 foot radius over congested areas. That gives room to glide clear if the engine quits.
- 14 CFR 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR4d7cd0e3cc4be86/section-91.119
an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
Checked 2026-10-07.
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