FAR 91.119 — Minimum Safe Altitudes

This regulation establishes the minimum altitudes at which aircraft may be operated. Over congested areas (cities, towns, settlements), pilots must maintain at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot horizontal radius. Over non-congested areas, the minimum is 500 feet above the surface. Over open water or sparsely populated areas, the aircraft must not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. Student pilots must know these limits to avoid both FAA violations and unsafe low-altitude flight.