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The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that the altitude of the aircraft should be high enough for a successful emergency landing in the case of engine failure or other damage to the aircraft at all times. This recommended altitude varies from aircraft to aircraft. If a safe minimum is not maintained, safely gliding to an emergency landing spot without endangering humans or property is less likely -- if not impossible.
Congested Areas
A congested area is an area over a city, town, settlement or gathering of persons. The FAA requires all aircraft to maintain an altitude 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 2,000-foot radius of the aircraft at all times. For example, if a building is 100 feet tall, an aircraft must stay at an altitude of 1,100 feet within a 2,000-foot horizontal radius of the building.
Non-Congested Areas
In a non-congested area, an aircraft must maintain at least 500 feet above the surface of the Earth. In sparsely populated areas or areas of open water, an aircraft must be at least 500 feet above all people, vehicles, buildings and water vessels.
Helicopters, Powered Parachutes and Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft
A helicopter is allowed to operate at altitudes lower than those required for congested and non-congested areas if the pilots operating the helicopter comply with the specified routes and altitudes outlined by the FAA for the specific areas of flight. Powered parachutes and weight-shift-control aircraft are allowed to operate at altitudes lower than those specified for areas of low congestion.