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Over areas that are not congested, what is the minimum altitude except for takeoff and landing?

500 feet above the surface.

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  1. 1,000 feet above the surface
  2. 500 feet above the surface ✔
  3. 200 feet above the surface

Why: Rule 91.119(c) sets 500 feet above the surface away from congested areas. Over open water or sparsely populated areas, you must stay at least 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Huh, didn't know that: The open water exception measures the 500 feet as distance from people and things, not height above the ground.

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References

Answer: 500 feet above the surface. Rule 91.119(c) sets 500 feet above the surface away from congested areas. Over open water or sparsely populated areas, you must stay at least 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

  1. 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 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas.
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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