Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

Which action is normally prohibited when operating a restricted category civil aircraft?

1. Flight over mountainous terrain

2. Flight over a densely populated area

3. Flight for compensation or hire

4. Flight in controlled airspace

The correct answer is: Flight over a densely populated area

When it comes to operating a restricted category civil aircraft, one of the primary prohibitions is flight over a densely populated area. This restriction is in place due to safety concerns. Restricted category aircraft are often designed for specific purposes such as agricultural spraying, firefighting, or other specialized operations and may not have the structural integrity or safety features necessary for safe flights over populated areas. Flying over densely populated areas poses a higher risk to civilian lives and property. In the event of an accident or system failure, the consequences could be severe, making it imperative to keep these aircraft away from areas where people are concentrated. As a result, regulations emphasize the need to avoid such flights to mitigate risks associated with these types of aircraft. The other options pertain to various operational capabilities and limitations, but they do not specifically address the heightened safety risks associated with flying over densely populated areas. For example, while flight for compensation or hire and controlled airspace operations have their own sets of regulations and restrictions, they do not inherently possess the same level of direct risk to human life as flying over a densely populated region. Understanding these restrictions is essential for ensuring safety in aviation operations involving restricted category aircraft.