FAQ: Operations Over People (Category 1-4) Under FAA Regulations

FAQ: Operations Over People (Category 1-4) Under FAA Regulations

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to provide UAS pilots with accurate and actionable guidance for flying drones over people under the FAA regulations, specifically 14 CFR Part 107. Always consult official FAA documentation for complete and up-to-date requirements.

---

1. What are the rules for flying drones over people?

Answer:
Flying over people is generally prohibited unless you meet the conditions of one of the four categories established by the FAA. These rules are outlined in 14 CFR § 107.39 and the associated FAA regulations.

• ▸
  Category 1: The drone must weigh less than 0.55 pounds, including any attachments or payloads. There are no exposed rotating parts that could cause lacerations. No FAA approval is required.
• ▸
  Category 2: The drone must meet FAA-approved safety requirements, including no exposed rotating parts that could cause injury and must not cause injury exceeding 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. Operations under Category 2 require FAA compliance documentation.
• ▸
  Category 3: Similar to Category 2, but flights over people are more restricted. Operations may occur over people if they are participating in the operation or located under a covered structure or vehicle that provides protection. FAA compliance documentation is required.
• ▸
  Category 4: Requires a drone with an airworthiness certificate issued under 14 CFR Part 21. Operations must comply with the operating limitations specified in the certificate and maintenance requirements outlined in 14 CFR § 107.140.

---

2. How do I know if my drone qualifies for Category 1 operations?

Answer: To qualify for Category 1 operations:

• ▸
  Your drone must weigh 0.55 pounds or less, including any attachments.
• ▸
  It must not have exposed rotating parts that could cause lacerations.

Always verify the weight of your drone and ensure it meets the required safety standards. No FAA approval is needed for Category 1 operations, but compliance with other Part 107 rules (e.g., avoiding restricted areas, maximum altitude of 400 feet) is mandatory.

---

3. What is FAA compliance documentation for Category 2 and Category 3 operations?

Answer:
Compliance documentation demonstrates that your drone meets FAA safety standards for Categories 2 or 3 operations. This includes testing and approval from the FAA to confirm that your drone does not exceed the injury threshold specified in 14 CFR § 107.120 (Category 2) or 14 CFR § 107.130 (Category 3).

Manufacturers typically provide this documentation, and pilots must ensure the drone is used in compliance with the operational requirements stated in the documentation.

---

4. Can I fly over crowds or gatherings of people?

Answer: Under 14 CFR § 107.39, flying over crowds or gatherings is prohibited unless your drone meets the requirements for Category 1, 2, or 4 operations. For Category 3, you cannot fly over open-air assemblies of people unless they are under protective cover.

---

5. What happens if I accidentally fly over people without meeting the requirements?

Answer: Operating a drone over people without meeting the requirements of 14 CFR § 107.39 may result in enforcement actions from the FAA. Penalties can include fines, suspension of your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or other legal consequences.

---

6. Can I fly over people if I have a Part 107 waiver?

Answer: Yes, you can apply for a Part 107.39 waiver to conduct operations over people. However, you must demonstrate that your operation can be conducted safely and does not pose an undue risk to individuals. Waivers are issued on a case-by-case basis.

---

7. What is the maximum altitude I can fly my drone over people?

Answer: Under 14 CFR § 107.51, the maximum allowable altitude for drone operations is 400 feet above ground level (AGL) unless your operation is within 400 feet of a structure, in which case you may fly higher if you remain within 400 feet of the structure.

---

8. Can I use a drone with an airworthiness certificate for operations over people?

Answer: Yes, drones with an airworthiness certificate under 14 CFR Part 21 qualify for Category 4 operations. These drones must comply with the operating limitations specified in the certificate and follow any required maintenance procedures as outlined in 14 CFR § 107.140.

---

9. What if I want to fly over people near an airport?

Answer: Flying near an airport requires prior authorization under 14 CFR § 107.41. You must coordinate with the FAA and obtain approval through the LAANC system or a written application. Operations over people must also comply with the specific requirements of Categories 1-4.

---

10. Can I fly over moving vehicles?

Answer: Flying over moving vehicles is generally prohibited under 14 CFR § 107.145, except in the following cases:

• ▸
  The operation is conducted as part of Category 1, 2, or 3 rules.
• ▸
  For Category 3, operations over moving vehicles are allowed only if the people inside the vehicles are participating in the drone operation and the vehicles are in a closed or restricted access site.

---

11. Do I need to notify people before flying over them?

Answer: For Category 3 operations, you may only fly over people who are participating in the operation or under protective cover. This typically requires informing them beforehand about the operation and ensuring their consent.

---

12. Can I fly over people at night?

Answer: Yes, you can fly over people at night, but you must meet Category 1-4 operational requirements and comply with night operation rules under 14 CFR § 107.29. Your drone must be equipped with anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles.

---

13. What are the safety requirements for drones under Category 2 and 3?

Answer: For Categories 2 and 3, the FAA requires the drone to meet specific injury thresholds:

• ▸
  Category 2: The drone must not cause injury exceeding 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact.
• ▸
  Category 3: Similar to Category 2, but operations are more restricted.

Drones must also avoid exposed rotating parts that could cause lacerations. Compliance documentation from the FAA is required for both categories.

---

14. How can I apply for a waiver to fly over people?

Answer: You can apply for a Part 107.39 waiver via the FAA DroneZone website. The application must include a safety plan and demonstrate how your operation mitigates risks to people on the ground. Waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

---

15. What happens if I violate the rules for operations over people?

Answer: Violating FAA regulations for operations over people can result in penalties, including:

• ▸
  Fines for non-compliance.
• ▸
  Suspension or revocation of your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• ▸
  Legal action depending on the severity of the violation.

Always ensure compliance with 14 CFR § 107.39 and related regulations to avoid enforcement actions.

---

Additional Resources

For more information on Operations Over People, refer to:

• ▸
  FAA Part 107 Regulations
• ▸
  FAA DroneZone

Always verify regulations through official FAA sources to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.