Part 91 > Section 119 - Minimum safe altitudes: General
[HR][/HR] Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:
(a)
Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.
(b)
Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
(c)
Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
(d)
Helicopters. Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface. In addition, each person operating a helicopter shall comply with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the Administrator.
[HR][/HR]
Manned aircraft can fly lower than 400' legally in sparsely populated areas - which is were our AMA field is. We often have light aircraft, ultralights, and helicopters come by a relatively low altitudes - although I have yet to see one significantly lower than 400'.
Even if they are below 400', you still have to avoid them - that's part of "safely operating in the NAS" which we are all obligated to do.
WRT your first point, have you read the FAQ from the AMA that says that they have worked out a plan with the FAA that, in the future, AMA membership renewal will also result in FAA registration (they could not work the technical details out before the Feb. 19th deadline)? I would think that changing the club rules to deal with what looks like a temporary requirement is not really warranted. I'm very glad my club is not like that...
Bob