Which factor does NOT determine minimum safe altitudes?

The minimum safe altitudes for flight are primarily determined by factors related to the physical environment and airspace structure, such as geographic obstructions, surrounding traffic patterns, and congestion in the area. Geographic obstructions include natural features like mountains and man-made structures like buildings or towers, which influence the height at which an aircraft must fly to ensure safety from collisions.

Surrounding traffic patterns are critical in determining safe altitudes, particularly near airports where the likelihood of encountering other aircraft is higher. Understanding these patterns helps pilots maintain safe separation from other traffic, ensuring a safer flying environment during takeoff, landing, and other maneuvers.

Congestion of the area, such as the volume of air traffic or the density of buildings, also affects minimum safe altitudes. In more congested areas, aircraft may need to fly at higher altitudes to avoid potential conflicts with other aircraft and obstacles.

The type of aircraft, however, does not dictate minimum safe altitudes directly. While different aircraft may have operational characteristics that affect their performance, minimum safe altitudes are established based on environmental and operational factors that apply universally, irrespective of the specific aircraft type. This allows for a standardized approach to altitude planning that ensures safe flight operations across various aircraft within the same airspace