SkyDrill

Horizontal clearance from skeletal structures

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 9 of 31 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K4g · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot plans to fly 1,000 feet laterally from a guyed radio antenna tower. What minimum horizontal distance does the study guide recommend from such skeletal structures?

  1. AAt least 2,000 feet
  2. BAt least 1,000 feet, so the plan is acceptable
  3. CAt least 500 feet
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. At least 2,000 feet

  • A — correct The study guide says all skeletal structures should be avoided horizontally by at least 2,000 feet because their guy wires can extend about 1,500 feet from the structure.
  • B — incorrect 1,000 feet is inside the horizontal reach of guy wires, which can extend about 1,500 feet; the guidance is 2,000 feet.
  • C — incorrect 500 feet is well inside the area where guy wires may be present; the study guide recommends 2,000 feet.

BACKGROUND

The airport-operations chapter of the Remote Pilot Study Guide warns about the wire environment around skeletal structures such as radio and television antenna towers. Many of these towers exceed 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL), and some extend above 2,000 feet AGL. Most are supported by guy wires that are very difficult to see in good weather and can be invisible at dusk or in reduced visibility. Because the wires can extend about 1,500 feet horizontally from the structure, the guide recommends avoiding all skeletal structures horizontally by at least 2,000 feet.

STUDY TIP

Treat any guyed tower as a 2,000-foot-radius no-go zone, and remember new towers may not yet appear on the current chart.

KEY POINTS

  • Guy wires can extend about 1,500 feet horizontally from a tower.
  • Skeletal structures should be avoided horizontally by at least 2,000 feet.
  • Guy wires may be invisible at dusk or in reduced visibility.

SOURCES

  • Remote Pilot Study Guide (remote_pilot_study_guide.txt) ch11 "Antenna Towers"
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON AIRSPACE / OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.