What altitude above the highest obstacle is required when flying over a congested area?

When flying over congested areas, regulations stipulate that an aircraft must maintain an altitude that is at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet from the aircraft. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of both the aircraft and the people on the ground by providing ample clearance over urban environments where obstacles such as buildings and towers are prevalent.

Choosing the altitude of 1,000 feet allows for sufficient vertical separation from potential hazards while still facilitating safe navigation in these crowded airspaces. This altitude requirement is crucial for minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safe buffer zone, especially in areas where the likelihood of encountering obstacles is higher than in less populated regions.