Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, an aircraft may not be operated closer than what distance from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure?

• A. 500 feet
• B. 1,000 feet
• C. 2,000 feet
• D. 3,000 feet

Answer: (A)

During normal flight you must stay at least 500 feet horizontally from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure on the surface. This gives a safety buffer in case something goes wrong, like an unexpected loss of control or a gust grab, so that people and property aren’t put at risk. You may operate closer than that only when you’re actively taking off or landing, where proximity to the surface is intentional and part of the maneuver. The other distances would be more restrictive than required for general operations.