SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-tv-towers-height

When studying the terrain along a route, how tall can television transmitting towers be?

Over 1,500 feet above the surrounding terrain.

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  1. Never more than 200 feet
  2. Up to about 500 feet
  3. Over 1,500 feet above the terrain ✔

Why: Check the route for terrain and tall obstructions before picking your altitude. Some TV towers rise more than 1,500 feet, so a low cruise altitude could put you among them.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA says areas where you take off or land should be carefully checked for tall obstructions.

The dad joke
Why did the TV tower get so tall? It wanted better reception at family dinners.
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References

Answer: Over 1,500 feet above the terrain. Check the route for terrain and tall obstructions before picking your altitude. Some TV towers rise more than 1,500 feet, so a low cruise altitude could put you among them.

  1. Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25C, Chapter 16 Navigation www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/18_phak_ch16.pdf
    Television transmitting towers may extend to altitudes over 1,500 feet above the surrounding terrain.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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