Low flying rules in the EU[edit]

In all EU Member states, the Standardised European Rules of the Air apply: these set out a
minimum altitude of 150 m (500 ft) above any obstacle within a radius of 150 m (500 ft), except
with permission, or when taking off or landing. If an aircraft is flying over a congested area (town,
settlement, etc.) it must fly high enough so that in the case of an engine failure, it is able to land
clear safely AND it must not fly less than 300 m (1000 ft) above the highest fixed object within
600 m of the aircraft.[9]
Member states are allowed to modify the low flying rule to suit their jurisdiction, for instance in the
UK, the "500 ft Rule" allows pilots to fly below 500 ft as long as they are no closer than 500 ft to
any person, vessel, vehicle, building or structure. The rules for flying near congested areas are
the same in the UK as the rest of the EU[10]

Controlled visual flight rules[edit]

Section of CVFR flight routes map of Tel Aviv (Israel) area. Flight altitude in each direction is notated in
yellow arrow-box. Compulsory reporting points are marked with triangles and airports are marked by yellow
circles.

CVFR flight is used in locations where aviation authorities have determined that VFR flight
should be allowed, but that ATC separation and minimal guidance ar