📘14 CFR §91.119 - Minimum Safe Altitudes

✏️ Plain-English Summary:

This regulation defines the lowest altitudes you’re allowed to fly — and they change depending on where you are. The goal is to keep people and property on the ground safe, and give you enough altitude to recover from an emergency.

✅ Key Takeaways for PPL Students:

Situation	Minimum Altitude
Anywhere (general rule)	Altitude that allows a safe emergency landing without hazard to people or property
Over congested areas (cities, towns, gatherings)	1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontal
Over non-congested areas	500 feet AGL minimum
Over open water or sparsely populated areas	May not fly closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure

🧠 Memory Tip:

"1,000 over, 2,000 out" = congested "500 AGL" = everything else "500 ft from people/boats/buildings" = even in open areas

✈️ Scenario:

You’re flying over a city during a photo flight. ❌ You descend to 700’ AGL to get a better shot. ❌ That’s illegal — you’re required to be 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally in congested areas.

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:

Ask students:

“What if the engine quits right now — could you land safely?”

If the answer is no, then they’re too low. Encourage thinking beyond just the legal minimums — aim for safe margins.

Also clarify that §91.119 doesn’t apply during takeoff and landing — as long as you’re doing so safely and in accordance with procedures.

📚 References:

• FAR: 14 CFR §91.119

• AIM 5-3-2: VFR cruising altitudes and safe altitude practices

• CAPTn Stage 1 Guide: Preflight & safety regs​