What is the minimum altitude for overflight of a helicopter that is on the ground, in a hover, or in a hover taxi?

• A. 200 feet AGL
• B. 300 feet AGL
• C. 100 feet AGL
• D. 500 feet AGL

Answer: (A)

When a helicopter is on the ground, in a hover, or performing a hover taxi, there needs to be a safe vertical buffer above the surface to protect people and property from rotor wash and any sudden rotor movement. The required minimum is 200 feet above the ground. This height gives enough clearance so debris kicked up by the rotor wash won’t pose a hazard, while still allowing efficient operations close to the surface.

Flying lower than that would increase the risk of debris impact and create hazards for ground crews or nearby objects, while choosing a higher altitude than necessary would unnecessarily constrain airspace and limit safe, efficient operations in the area.