At 01:38 PM 6/30/97 -0400, David Clemons wrote:
> Does anyone know if there is a minimum elevation required for
>helicopters when flying over residential neighborhoods? The helicopters
>in question are privately owned and are hired out to do work in cranberry
>From Part 91 of the F.A.R. (Federal Aviation Regulations):
Sec. 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.
Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an
aircraft below the following altitudes:
(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency
landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.
(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or
settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000
feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of
(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the
surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases,
the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel,
vehicle, or structure.
(d) Helicopters. Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums
prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section if the operation is
conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface. In addition,
each person operating a helicopter shall comply with any routes or altitudes
specifically prescribed for helicopters by the Administrator.
Chad Kurszewski, WE9V e-mail: Chad_Kurszewski@csg.mot.com
The Official "Sultans of Shwing" Web Site: http://www.QTH.com/sos
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