AIM 5-4-5 EXPECTED ALTITUDES

Expected Altitudes at Nontowered Airports

Left or Right Base Areas

Pilots within the left or right-base areas are expected to maintain a minimum altitude of 6000 feet until within 17 NM of the associated IAF. After crossing the 17 NM arc descent is authorized to visual flight rules (VFR) pattern altitudes.

Straight-in Approach Areas

Pilots within the straight-in approach areas are expected to maintain a minimum altitudes of 6000 feet until within 17 NM of the final approach fix (FAF). After crossing the 17 NM arc, descent is authorized to VFR pattern altitudes.

Minimum Altitude Requirements

The 6000-foot MVA does not apply to the following operations:

• Helicopter operations.
• Special VFR operations conducted within the airspace designated for that purpose.

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

• Anywhere - 500 feet above the surface.
• Over congested areas of cities, towns, or settlements, or over an open air assembly of persons - 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.