"Larry Dighera" wrote in message ...

What regulation specifically forbids flying under bridges?



§ 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.
Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or
property on the surface.

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of
persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

(c) 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.

Note "Structure" here. The bridge is a structure, and unless it was over 500' above the water, the pilot was in
violation.



(d) Helicopters. Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this
section if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface. In addition, each person
operating a helicopter shall comply with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the
Administrator.