What is the minimum safe altitude over congested areas as defined in flight rules?

• A. An altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft
• B. An altitude of 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle
• C. 500 feet AGL
• D. 1,500 feet above surface

Answer: (A)

Over congested areas, the safety buffer is defined as staying at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot horizontal radius of the aircraft. This provides a clear margin in built-up zones where towers, buildings, and other obstacles pose a higher risk, giving you enough clearance to respond safely if you encounter something unexpected. The other options don’t fit because they either reference a different scenario (500 feet AGL applies to non-congested areas), mix up the horizontal distance, or propose a height that isn’t a defined regulation (1,500 feet above the surface).