Which action best minimizes risk when operating near power lines or tall structures?

• A. Fly over the tallest structure to minimize risk
• B. Maintain direct vertical ascent over the obstacle
• C. Stay well clear of power lines and tall obstacles; plan a route that avoids them.
• D. Ignore obstacles if you have GPS

Answer: (C)

Staying well clear of power lines and tall obstacles and planning a route that avoids them minimizes risk. Power lines can be hard to spot and may extend farther than expected, so a collision could cause injury, damage, or a fire. Tall structures create unpredictable gusts and turbulence, which can push the aircraft off course or into the obstacle if you fly directly over or near them. Flying over the tallest structure or ascending directly above it leaves little margin for error if wind shifts or control is momentarily lost. Relying on GPS or ignoring obstacles is unsafe because GPS does not provide a reliable shield from collisions and can be degraded near metal structures or in cluttered environments. By preplanning a route that keeps a safe distance and staying out of the immediate hazard zone, you substantially reduce the chance of an incident.