What is the MSA over congested areas?

The Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) over congested areas is designed to ensure a safe vertical clearance above the highest obstacles in a specific vicinity. The correct answer, which states that the MSA is 1,000 feet above the highest obstruction within a 2,000-foot radius, reflects essential safety considerations for aircraft operating in or near populated regions.

This altitude provides a buffer that accounts for the potential variability in obstructions such as buildings, towers, and other structures, ensuring that an aircraft can operate safely without the risk of colliding with such obstacles. The 2,000-foot radius is significant as it covers a reasonable area to account for nearby structures that a pilot should be aware of when flying over congested zones.

In comparison, the other options do not adequately address the complexity and safety requirements of navigating over populated areas. For instance, a standard clearance of 500 feet above the highest obstruction could be insufficient in many circumstances, especially in urban environments where structures can be quite tall and densely packed. Similarly, an altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level does not take into account the specific heights of nearby obstructions, which may vary widely. Finally, maintaining the same altitude as the highest obstruction poses an inherent risk, as