Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

The correct choice reflects compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations, specifically the rules regarding minimum safe altitudes. When operating over open water or sparsely populated areas, the regulation requires that pilots maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet above the surface, and they must remain at least 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure. This altitude is designed to ensure safety by providing a margin for emergency landings and reducing the risk of accidents in the event of equipment failure.

The other altitude options reflect potential misunderstandings about regulations pertaining to more urban or populated environments, where higher altitudes may apply for safety reasons. However, when flying over less populated areas or open water, this specific minimum altitude of 500 feet strikes a balance between safety and operational flexibility, allowing pilots to navigate such spaces safely while maintaining an adequate distance from those who may be present on the surface.