In mountainous areas, what is the minimum altitude for IFR flight?

The minimum altitude for IFR flight in mountainous areas is set at 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to ensure adequate safety margins in terrain-rich environments. This altitude requirement is designed to provide pilots with an additional buffer to account for any unexpected rises in terrain and to promote safety during instrument flight operations.

Maintaining an altitude of 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle helps to mitigate risks associated with flying in mountainous terrain, where visual references are often limited and terrain can change abruptly. Therefore, this regulation is crucial for ensuring a safe flight environment when operating under IFR in such challenging conditions.