What clearance is required above terrain in mountainous areas?

What clearance is required above terrain in mountainous areas?

• A. 1,000 feet
• B. 2,000 feet
• C. 3,000 feet
• D. 4,000 feet

Answer: (B)

In mountainous areas you must keep a much larger vertical buffer above the terrain to ensure you won’t intersect peaks if you encounter unexpected situations, such as a climb after takeoff, a misjudged course, or an engine issue. The terrain can rise abruptly and weather can reduce visibility, so the safety margin needs to be substantial to allow time and space to react and to maneuver safely. This higher clearance is the standard rule taught for flying over mountains, which is why the correct choice reflects the larger available margin.

In mountainous areas you must keep a much larger vertical buffer above the terrain to ensure you won’t intersect peaks if you encounter unexpected situations, such as a climb after takeoff, a misjudged course, or an engine issue. The terrain can rise abruptly and weather can reduce visibility, so the safety margin needs to be substantial to allow time and space to react and to maneuver safely. This higher clearance is the standard rule taught for flying over mountains, which is why the correct choice reflects the larger available margin.