What minimum obstacle clearance is required in mountainous areas?

What minimum obstacle clearance is required in mountainous areas?

• A. 2,000 feet
• B. 1,000 feet
• C. 1,500 feet
• D. 2,500 feet

Answer: (A)

In rugged, mountainous terrain you need a larger safety buffer from terrain and obstacles because mountains, tall peaks, and dispersed obstacles can pose a higher risk and winds can push you toward the terrain. The standard minimum obstacle clearance in these areas is 2,000 feet, which provides a generous margin to keep the aircraft safely above highest obstacles along the route or during climb-out and missed approaches. This contrasts with flatter terrain, where a smaller clearance like 1,000 feet is considered adequate due to lower obstacle heights and density. So, the 2,000-foot clearance is the appropriate protection for mountainous regions.

In rugged, mountainous terrain you need a larger safety buffer from terrain and obstacles because mountains, tall peaks, and dispersed obstacles can pose a higher risk and winds can push you toward the terrain. The standard minimum obstacle clearance in these areas is 2,000 feet, which provides a generous margin to keep the aircraft safely above highest obstacles along the route or during climb-out and missed approaches. This contrasts with flatter terrain, where a smaller clearance like 1,000 feet is considered adequate due to lower obstacle heights and density. So, the 2,000-foot clearance is the appropriate protection for mountainous regions.