Which activity allows pilots to fly below minimum distance requirements with authorization from the Minister of Transport?

The activity that allows pilots to fly below minimum distance requirements with authorization from the Minister of Transport is aerial inspection. This operation is often necessary for tasks such as surveying infrastructure, monitoring land use, or inspecting agricultural fields. Aerial inspections are typically conducted at altitudes lower than those usually prescribed by regulations, which is why specific authorization is required. This flexibility supports various industries that rely on close-up assessments while still maintaining safety through oversight.

In contrast, commercial passenger flights, night flying, and aerobatic maneuvers all have distinct regulations regarding minimum altitudes and distances that are designed to ensure safety for passengers, aircraft, and communities. These types of operations do not inherently provide the same need for variances in altitude requirements as aerial inspections do, thus not allowing the same level of authorization for flying below minimum distance requirements.