# 5 V.S.A. § 421: Minimum altitudes for operation

> Vermont · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S421

## Section

- **Citation:** 5 V.S.A. § 421
- **Heading:** Minimum altitudes for operation
- **Jurisdiction:** Vermont
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** VT Code / Title 5 / Chapter 13 / Section 421

## Text

Except when necessary for take-off or landing, or by special permission of the Agency, no person shall operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

(1) An altitude that will permit, in the event of the failure of a power unit, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

(2) Over congested areas of cities or towns, or over an open-air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet from the aircraft.

(3) An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In this event, the aircraft shall not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

## Nearby sections

- [5 V.S.A. § 402 § 402. Ownership of space](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S402.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 403 § 403. Lawful and unlawful flight; landing](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S403.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 404 § 404. Contractual and other legal relations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S404.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 405 § 405. Crimes, torts, and other wrongs](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S405.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 421 § 421. Minimum altitudes for operation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S421.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 422 § 422. Penalty for violation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S422.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 423 § 423. Diversion from normal flight; careless operation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S423.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 425 § 425. Killing birds or animals](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S425.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 426 § 426. Helicopters; aircraft engaged in crop spraying or dusting](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S426.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 427 § 427. Operating under influence of liquor or drugs; penalty; revocation of right](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S427.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 428 § 428. Reporting an aircraft](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S428.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 476 § 476. Reports of accidents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S476.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 477 § 477. Removal of wrecks](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S477.md)
- [5 V.S.A. § 478 § 478. Minimum disturbance in movement; record of original condition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S478.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VT_T5_C13_S421. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.