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Lateral clearance from guy-wired towers

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 25 of 31 on Airspace / Operational Requirements. ACS element UA.II.B.K4 · difficulty: applied. 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 pass 1,200 feet laterally from a guyed broadcast tower in reduced visibility. Based on the Remote Pilot Study Guide, what is the problem with this plan?

  1. AThere is no problem, because 1,200 feet exceeds the 1,000-foot clearance the guide recommends
  2. BThe pilot must instead stay 1,500 feet vertically above the tower to clear the wires
  3. CGuy wires can extend about 1,500 feet from the tower, so the aircraft may cross them
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Guy wires can extend about 1,500 feet from the tower, so the aircraft may cross them

  • A — incorrect The guide's recommended horizontal clearance from skeletal structures is at least 2,000 feet, not 1,000 feet, and the wires themselves reach about 1,500 feet.
  • B — incorrect The 1,500-foot figure describes how far guy wires extend horizontally from the structure; the guide's remedy is horizontal avoidance of at least 2,000 feet, not a vertical clearance.
  • C — correct The study guide says guy wires can extend about 1,500 feet horizontally from a structure and can be invisible in reduced visibility; a 1,200-foot offset is inside that distance, and the guide recommends at least 2,000 feet.

BACKGROUND

According to the Remote Pilot Study Guide, most skeletal structures such as radio and television antenna towers are supported by guy wires. These wires are very difficult to see in good weather and can be invisible at dusk or during periods of reduced visibility. The wires can extend about 1,500 feet horizontally from a structure, so the guide recommends that all skeletal structures be avoided horizontally by at least 2,000 feet. A remote pilot who plans a track closer than that, especially in poor visibility, risks flying into a wire that cannot be seen from the control station. Comparing the planned offset against the 1,500-foot wire reach and the 2,000-foot avoidance distance shows whether a plan is safe.

STUDY TIP

Treat any guyed tower as a 2,000-foot-radius no-fly zone unless you have confirmed where the wires are anchored.

KEY POINTS

  • Guy wires can extend about 1,500 feet horizontally from a tower.
  • Wires are hard to see in good weather and can be invisible at dusk or in reduced visibility.
  • Avoid skeletal structures horizontally by at least 2,000 feet.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch11 "Antenna Towers"
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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.