FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is normally prohibited when operating a restricted category civil aircraft?

1. Flying during day only

2. Flight over a densely populated area

3. Night operation

4. Flight above 10,000 ft

The correct answer is: Flight over a densely populated area

When operating a restricted category civil aircraft, one of the primary regulations is to not conduct flights over densely populated areas. This restriction primarily exists due to safety concerns; if an emergency were to occur during flight, the risk of causing harm to large groups of people on the ground is significantly heightened in populated regions. The restricted category typically includes aircraft used for agricultural purposes, firefighting, or other specialized operations, which may present unique hazards that necessitate careful flight planning to minimize risk to public safety. Operating an aircraft in this category usually cannot be conducted in a manner that would expose large populations to potential accidents or incidents, reinforcing the importance of adherence to this regulation. Therefore, avoiding flight over densely populated areas is essential for maintaining safety standards and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.