From 980397c71224cb2d6b69529e303bbc2816b8acda Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Matthias Nott <mnott@mnsoft.org> Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:33:18 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Update minimum height regulations over congested areas --- SPL Exam Questions EN/10 - Air Law.md | 44 ++++++++++++++++++-------------------------- 1 files changed, 18 insertions(+), 26 deletions(-) diff --git a/SPL Exam Questions EN/10 - Air Law.md b/SPL Exam Questions EN/10 - Air Law.md index 0471661..e1c577c 100644 --- a/SPL Exam Questions EN/10 - Air Law.md +++ b/SPL Exam Questions EN/10 - Air Law.md @@ -1851,7 +1851,7 @@ [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/10%20-%20Luftrecht.md#^t10q75) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/10%20-%20Droit%20a%C3%A9rien.md#^t10q75) - A) At least 300 m above the ground. -- B) At least 150 m above the highest obstacle within a 300 m radius of the aircraft. +- B) At least 300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a 600 m radius of the aircraft. - C) At least 150 m above the ground. - D) At least 450 m above the ground. @@ -1861,19 +1861,14 @@ #### Explanation -Per SERA.5005 and ICAO Annex 2, the minimum height over densely populated areas is 150 m (approximately 500 ft) above the highest obstacle within a 300 m radius of the aircraft. This obstacle-clearance-based rule ensures safe separation from structures and terrain. +Per [SERA.5005(f)(1)](https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/online-publications/easy-access-rules-standardised-european?page=2&kw=Visual%20flight%20rules), the minimum height over congested areas is **300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m** from the aircraft. -- **Option A** (300 m AGL) does not account for obstacles. -- **Option C** (150 m AGL) ignores the obstacle clearance requirement. -- **Option D** (450 m AGL) is not the standard minimum height specified in SERA. +Note: the "elsewhere" rule in SERA.5005(f)(2) is 150 m (500 ft) above ground/water or above the highest obstacle within 150 m — do not confuse the two. -#### Key Terms +- **A** (300 m above ground) is close but misses the key detail: it's above the highest *obstacle*, not above *ground*. +- **C** (150 m above ground) is the "elsewhere" rule, not the congested-area rule. +- **D** (450 m above ground) is not specified in SERA. -- **m** — mass of the aircraft -- **AGL** = Above Ground Level -- **D** — Drag -- **ICAO** = International Civil Aviation Organization -- **VFR** = Visual Flight Rules ### Q76: Among the aircraft listed below, which have priority for landing and takeoff? ^t10q76 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/10%20-%20Luftrecht.md#^t10q76) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/10%20-%20Droit%20a%C3%A9rien.md#^t10q76) @@ -2283,7 +2278,7 @@ [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/10%20-%20Luftrecht.md#^t10q92) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/10%20-%20Droit%20a%C3%A9rien.md#^t10q92) - A) 300 m AGL. -- B) 150 m AGL above the highest obstacle within a 600 m radius of the aircraft. +- B) 300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a 600 m radius of the aircraft. - C) 600 m AGL. - D) There is no specific height figure; however, one must fly in a manner that allows reaching clear terrain suitable for a risk-free landing at any time. @@ -2293,16 +2288,14 @@ #### Explanation -Per SERA.5005, the minimum flight height over densely populated areas and large public gatherings is 150 m (500 ft) above the highest obstacle within a 600 m radius of the aircraft. This obstacle-based rule ensures adequate clearance from structures and protects people on the ground. +Per [SERA.5005(f)(1)](https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/online-publications/easy-access-rules-standardised-european?page=2&kw=Visual%20flight%20rules), the minimum flight height over congested areas and open-air assemblies is **300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m** from the aircraft. -- **Option A** (300 m AGL) does not account for obstacle clearance. -- **Option C** (600 m AGL) is higher than the actual requirement. +Note: the "elsewhere" rule in SERA.5005(f)(2) is 150 m (500 ft) above ground or water — do not confuse the two. -- **Option D** describes a general safety principle but not the specific regulatory minimum. +- **A** (300 m AGL) is close but misses the key detail: it's 300 m above the highest *obstacle*, not above *ground*. +- **C** (600 m AGL) is too high. +- **D** describes a general principle but not the specific regulatory minimum. -#### Key Terms - -AGL = Above Ground Level ### Q93: In which airspace classes may VFR flights be conducted in Switzerland without needing air traffic control services? ^t10q93 [DE](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20DE/10%20-%20Luftrecht.md#^t10q93) · [FR](../SPL%20Exam%20Questions%20FR/10%20-%20Droit%20a%C3%A9rien.md#^t10q93) @@ -4151,21 +4144,20 @@ - A) 600 m AGL - B) You must be able to land outside the built-up area -- C) 300 m AGL above any built-up area within a radius of 600 m from the glider +- C) 300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m from the aircraft - D) 300 m AGL #### Answer -D) +C) #### Explanation -In accordance with Swiss regulations (FOCA), the minimum overflight height above densely populated areas is 300 m AGL. This rule is intended to protect people and property in the event of an emergency landing and to limit noise nuisance. +Per [SERA.5005(f)(1)](https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/online-publications/easy-access-rules-standardised-european?page=2&kw=Visual%20flight%20rules), a VFR flight over congested areas of cities, towns or settlements, or over open-air assemblies of persons, shall not fly at a height less than **300 m (1000 ft) above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m** from the aircraft. -#### Key Terms - -- **AGL** = Above Ground Level -- **FOCA** = Federal Office of Civil Aviation +- **A** (600 m AGL) is too high — the rule is 300 m above obstacles, not 600 m above ground. +- **B** describes a general safety principle but is not the specific regulatory minimum. +- **D** (300 m AGL) is a simplification — SERA specifies 300 m above the highest *obstacle*, not above *ground*. ### Q171: What is the minimum flight height for a glider flying along a slope in the countryside? ^t10q171 -- Gitblit v1.3.1