FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsHard
A helicopter pilot is planning a flight over a sparsely populated area, away from any open water. Disregarding the special helicopter exception in 91.119(d), what minimum altitude requirement applies under 14 CFR 91.119(c)?
- A1,000 feet AGL at all times, regardless of population density
- B1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot radius of the aircraft
- C500 feet above the surface, and the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure
- DNo minimum altitude applies in sparsely populated areas
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 500 feet above the surface, and the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure
14 CFR 91.119(c) requires, over other than congested areas, an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas, where the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 1,000 feet AGL is not the general rule for sparsely populated areas.
- B. That is the requirement for congested areas under 91.119(b), not sparsely populated areas.
- D. A minimum clearance from persons/objects still applies even in sparsely populated areas.
Minimum Safe Altitudes (91.119)
14 CFR 91.119 sets minimum altitudes: 1,000 ft over congested areas, 500 ft (or 500 ft lateral clearance) elsewhere, with a helicopter exception in 91.119(d).
- (b) Congested areas: 1,000 ft above highest obstacle within 2,000 ft horizontally
- (c) Other areas: 500 ft above surface, or 500 ft from persons/vessels/vehicles/structures if sparsely populated/open water
- (d) Helicopters may operate below these minimums if done without hazard to persons/property on the surface
Memory trick: '1,000 over the city, 500 over the country' – but helicopters get a pass.