What altitude should a pilot maintain when passing over the highest obstacle in their flight plan at night?

When flying at night, pilots are advised to maintain a safe altitude above the highest obstacle in their flight path to ensure adequate clearance and reduce the risk of collision. The correct altitude to maintain is at least 2000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 2 nautical miles from the course to be flown. This regulation is grounded in the consideration of reduced visibility and the challenges of night flying, which make it more difficult to recognize obstacles in the dark.

Maintaining 2000 feet above obstacles enhances safety by providing a significant buffer against terrain and structures that may be obscured at night. This altitude is not only a safety measure but also aligns with regulatory standards set forth in aviation guidelines for night operations. Other altitude options, being lower than the recommended 2000 feet, would not provide the same level of safety and assurance, particularly in the context of navigation and obstacle avoidance during night operations.