[TowerTalk] New FAA regulations affecting towers

Ed Sawyer sawyered at earthlink.net
Mon Jul 18 19:17:49 EDT 2016


As a pilot (no longer active), I went to the regs for a quote:

 

"Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface,
except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the
aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel,
vehicle, or structure."

 

In order for the new tower regulation to make any sense it would have to be
only in area deemed:

 

Sparsely populated

500ft from any structure before the tower was put up (otherwise the pilot is
already supposed to be 500 ft away)

 

So technically, draw a cone around your house that is 500Ft in radius.  If
your tower is inside the cone, its already protected by the existence of the
house.

 

"Sparsely populated" I don't believe is on the chart.  I believe its in the
eye of the beholder as to the area where that applies.  I may be wrong on
that.  I didn't make a habit of flying below 1000ft elevation, let alone 500
ft.

 

I believe the above will dictate whatever regulations might emerge.

 

Where is sparsely populated would have to be defined.  If the towers are 100
feet tall and more than approx 375 ft from the house they might be effected.
Or more than 500 ft from the house and over 50 ft tall.

 

All just my opinion, but should give some idea of where it might go.

 

Ed N1UR



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