What is the allowed altitude above the highest obstacle when operating over congested areas?

When operating over congested areas, the regulations stipulate that an aircraft must maintain an altitude of at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 2,000 feet from the aircraft. This standard is designed to ensure a safe buffer between the aircraft and potential obstacles, such as buildings or towers, thereby minimizing the risk of collision.

The requirement of maintaining this specific altitude is critical for safety in densely populated regions, where the density of structures can pose significant risks to flight operations. Adhering to this altitude not only enhances safety for the aircraft and its occupants but also for people on the ground below.