When flying over an unpopulated area, at what minimum altitude must a commercial aircraft be operated?

Question: When flying over an unpopulated area, at what minimum altitude must a commercial aircraft be operated?

Answer options:

• 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally
• 500 feet above the surface, except during take-off or landing
• 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally ✅ At an altitude that will permit, in the event of the failure of a power unit, an immediate landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface

Correct answer: At an altitude that will permit, in the event of the failure of a power unit, an immediate landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface

Explanation: CAR 602.13 states that an aircraft shall be operated at an altitude that will permit, in the event of the failure of a power unit, an immediate landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. Specific altitude restrictions like 1,000 ft or 500 ft are for populated areas or specific operations.