03/29/2026
Apparently not a lot of people have seen this so I’ll share it with everyone in case you haven’t:
To all who conduct flights in the vicinity west of Lake Apopka:
It has come to the attention of the FAA that some flight training and/or flight activity occurring in the vicinity of the Sugarloaf Mountain area west of Lake Apopka may be in violation of 14 CFR § 91.119 regarding minimum safe altitudes.
Due to the rapid population growth in the area, many complaints have surfaced regarding low flying aircraft. Investigation of these aircraft have shown many to be flying as low as 200 – 300 feet AGL while conducting what appears to be ground reference maneuvers and simulated engine failures. Further investigation has shown that terrain in the area rapidly rises and descends reaching a peak elevation of 312 feet MSL. It is determined that pilots are conducting maneuvers based on altimeter readings without considering the rising elevation in the maneuvering area thus leading to potentially unsafe flight altitudes. Additionally, lack of consideration to the obstacles in the area may place flights below the highest points of those surrounding obstacles.
As noted, rising terrain can be insidious. It can rise gradually and subtly and potentially go unnoticed until becoming a severe danger. Since the state of Florida is relatively flat, this is an issue that can easily be overlooked until situations such as previously discussed come to light. Please place a greater educational emphasis on terrain awareness.
Please disseminate this information to all pilots in your facility/airport that may conduct training and/or flight activities in this area. Future deviations from 14 CFR § 91.119 in the Sugarloaf Mountain vicinity may be considered a pilot deviation and addressed accordingly. As this area has had substantial population growth and with continued growth, it may be practical to consider this area as congested and avoid ground reference maneuvers in the vicinity of the Sugarloaf Mountain area altogether.
As pilots, it is not only incumbent upon us to consider all aspects of a flight to assure compliance with the regulations, but more importantly, that an undue hazard is not placed on persons and/or property on the ground or to those in the aircraft. The safety of the flight should never be in doubt.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Wade Hawker
Aviation Safety Inspector - Operations
Federal Aviation Administration
AFG
