What is the minimum altitude an airplane may fly over congested areas?

The minimum altitude an airplane may fly over congested areas is 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. This altitude requirement is put in place to ensure the safety of individuals on the ground, especially in areas with a high density of people, such as cities. By maintaining this altitude, pilots provide a buffer that minimizes the risk of injury or damage in the event of an emergency where the aircraft needs to descend rapidly.

If the answer states that 500 feet is the minimum altitude over congested areas, this is actually applicable to other types of areas, such as rural zones, but does not align with the regulations governing congested areas. Therefore, the specified altitude for congested areas must be sufficiently higher to account for the environment and safety considerations associated with flying over populated locations.