Every time I read this thing I get a new take on it.
Exactly. Most of us do. We all think we have a working knowledge of Rule 5, until .......... .
"normal aviation practice" is pretty straightforward"
Is it?
Are you saying a vertical descent from 200' to a private site is illegal under Rule 5?
And that a quick-stop arrival at a private site is also illegal? Regardless of the size of the private site? eg A country house set in hundreds of acres of open land.
"Blanket exemption from rule 5 low flying rules is only at govt. or licensed aerodromes."
Are you exempt from Rule 5 if you do a practice EFATO at a licensed airfield?
Is an instructor at a licensed airfield exempt from Rule 5 when teaching a student EFATO? (It's in the syllabus. Normal aviation practice?)
in congested areas you'll break the 1000ft rule if you try to land.
Isn't the 1000' rule about flying below 1000ft over a congested area? (Whether or not you land.)
Would it be legal to fly over a congested area above 1000' and then descend and land provided you stay strictly over the confines of a large open field in the congested area?