What is the minimum obstacle clearance required for an air taxi during the day?

The minimum obstacle clearance required for an air taxi during the day is 300 feet above ground level (AGL) vertically and 300 feet horizontally from any obstacles. This standard is established to ensure a reasonable safety margin for aircraft operating in the air taxi category, which includes operations that may be less predictable than those of larger aircraft.

The 300-foot vertical clearance provides sufficient margin for performance variances during takeoff, landing, or climbs, especially in urban environments where obstacles such as buildings and towers are more prevalent. The horizontal clearance of 300 feet serves to mitigate risk from unexpected situations, allowing adequate space to maneuver around obstacles in the vicinity.

Ensuring these clearance requirements helps to maintain a safe operating environment for air taxis, as well as for other aircraft that may be flying in the area. This regulation is critical in areas with high obstacles and complex terrain where precision and safety are paramount.