Where is the safest place to over-fly wires in a non-hostile environment?

Over-flying wires at a pole or superstructure is considered the safest option in a non-hostile environment because poles and towers not only mark the presence of wires but also provide a vertical reference point that can help pilots gauge their altitude and distance from the obstacles. This visibility is crucial for maintaining safe flight operations.

When flying near such structures, pilots can better plan their route and anticipate the presence of wires, reducing the risk of collision. Additionally, flying over poles or superstructures allows for a higher point of clearance from the ground while minimizing the chances of inadvertently descending into areas with multiple wire crossings, which can often be difficult to detect.

In contrast, flat terrain, ridges, and rivers may not offer the same level of visual cues regarding wire locations, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Flat terrain may obscure wires that are difficult to see from a distance, ridges can create visual obstructions and complicate altitude judgement, and flying over rivers poses different challenges unrelated to obstacle visibility.