Part 107 Chart Questions: Obstacles and MEF

Answer: C. The Maximum Elevation Figure is shown in thousands (large digit) and hundreds (small digit) of feet MSL: 3⁵ = 3,500 ft MSL. It covers one quadrangle, the area between the ticked lines every 30 minutes of latitude and longitude. To set it, the FAA takes the highest feature there. If that's a man-made obstacle more than 200 ft above the highest terrain, it adds 100 ft for possible vertical error (or half the contour interval, if that's more than 200 ft). If it's terrain or a natural obstacle such as a tree, it adds that error allowance plus 200 ft for uncharted obstacles. The total is rounded up to the next 100 ft. MEFs aren't verified by field surveys.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (eff. 9 Jul 2026), VFR Terms and Symbols: Land Features (Terrain) and Obstructions, Maximum Elevation Figure, pp. 12–13

Answer: A. On sectional charts the top number is the elevation of the obstacle's top in feet MSL (1,549). The number in parentheses below it is the structure's height above ground (1,123 ft AGL). The short rays drawn at the top mark high-intensity strobe lighting, which may run part-time or by proximity activation. (On a real sectional, an obstacle 1,000 ft AGL or taller uses a larger symbol than this simplified one.) Under §107.51(b), you may fly higher than 400 ft AGL only within a 400 ft radius of a structure, and no more than 400 ft above its immediate uppermost limit.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (eff. 9 Jul 2026), VFR Terms and Symbols: Land Features (Terrain) and Obstructions, p. 11; 14 CFR §107.51(b)

Answer: C. §107.51(b) normally limits a small UA to 400 ft AGL. If you stay within a 400 ft radius of a structure, you may fly up to 400 ft above the structure's immediate uppermost limit: 300 + 400 = 700 ft AGL. You still need ATC authorization if that altitude puts you into controlled airspace.

Source: 14 CFR §107.51(b); 14 CFR §107.41

Answer: A. The MEF (2⁷ = 2,700 ft MSL) is a quadrangle-wide figure built from the highest terrain or obstacle plus allowances. It helps manned pilots stay clear of terrain. It doesn't raise or lower the Part 107 altitude limit, which is still 400 ft AGL under §107.51(b).

Source: FAA Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide (eff. 9 Jul 2026), VFR Terms and Symbols: Land Features (Terrain) and Obstructions, Maximum Elevation Figure, pp. 12–13; 14 CFR §107.51(b)