In a non-hostile environment, where is it safest to overfly wires?

Overflying wires in a non-hostile environment requires special consideration for safety, particularly to minimize risks associated with obstacles on the ground. When evaluating the safest option, overflying a pole or superstructure represents the best choice for a few reasons.

Firstly, poles or superstructures are typically vertical structures that extend upward into the airspace but are often marked or indicated with some form of visibility aids, such as paint or lighting, especially if they support power lines or other overhead structures. This visibility makes it easier for a pilot to navigate around them effectively.

Additionally, when aircraft fly over poles or structures, they can maintain necessary altitude while minimizing the chance of wire entanglement, since wires are often strung between these poles. This contrasts with other environments where the risk of wires may be less predictable.

While flying over cleared ground or open water can also present relatively safe options, they do not inherently provide the same level of awareness regarding the presence of wires as overflying poles does. Cleared ground may include other hazards, and open water lacks any structural references that can assist in visual navigation and positioning.

Dense forests, on the other hand, can obscure not only the visibility of wires but also present numerous physical obstacles, increasing the risk of