UA.I.B.K15: Operations over human beings (Refer to Area of Operation I, Task E).
ACS Area I — Regulations Task B: Operating Rules References: 14 CFR parts 47, 48, 89, and 107, subpart B; AC 107-2; FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-G-8082-22
Key Concepts
Framework and Category 1 Basics
Subpart D prescribes when and how small unmanned aircraft may operate over human beings or over moving vehicles. A remote pilot may only conduct these operations under the applicable category: §107.110 (Category 1), §§107.115 and 107.120 (Category 2), §§107.125 and 107.130 (Category 3), or §107.140 (Category 4) [6]. Category 1 requires using a small unmanned aircraft that weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff and throughout the operation, including everything on board or attached, and that has no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies of human beings is prohibited unless the operation meets §89.110 or §89.115(a) [6]. Practically, verify the takeoff weight with all attachments and ensure propeller guards or designs eliminate exposed lacerating parts.
Categories 2 and 3: Eligibility, Labeling, and Operating Limits
Category 2 eligibility depends on design/production/modification so the aircraft: will not cause injury equivalent to or greater than 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy; has no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin; and contains no safety defects. The applicant must display a legible, prominent, permanently affixed English label indicating Category 2 eligibility, and must provide remote pilot operating instructions covering system description, allowable modifications, and configuration/mode verification procedures [5]. If a Category 2 or 3 label is damaged, destroyed, or missing, the remote PIC must label the aircraft in English so the label is legible, prominent, and remains for the duration of the operation; it must correctly identify the eligible category(ies) before conducting operations over human beings [4]. On the exam and in practice, treat the label as an operational prerequisite, and carry or access the operating instructions to verify required configurations.
Operationally, over or within a closed/restricted-access site, directly participating persons may be overflown in Categories 1, 2, and 3. For persons not directly participating, Category 1 and 2 are allowed (with prohibitions on sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless meeting §89.110 or §89.115(a), subject to waiver), while Category 3 requires that persons be on notice. Category 3 eligible small unmanned aircraft must not operate over open-air assemblies of human beings [2]. Outside a closed/restricted-access site, directly participating persons may be overflown in Categories 1, 2, and 3, but for persons not directly participating, Category 1 and 2 are allowed, and Category 3 is limited to “Transit Only, No Sustained Flight” [2]. Plan routes and altitudes to minimize time overhead and avoid any lingering when “transit only” applies.
Remote pilots have added responsibilities when operating over people: determine the correct category for the intended operation, verify proper labeling, and ensure the aircraft is listed on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance (DOC) prior to flight [8]. Incorporate this verification into preflight.
Category 4: Airworthiness Path and Open-Air Assembly Limit
Category 4 operations require using a small unmanned aircraft eligible for Category 4 and operating in accordance with all applicable operating limitations specified by the Administrator. To be eligible, the small unmanned aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21, be operated per the approved Flight Manual (whose operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings), and have maintenance/inspections performed as required. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited unless the operation meets §89.110 or §89.115(a) [4]. For pilots, that means confirming the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate, adhering strictly to Flight Manual limitations, and ensuring maintenance compliance before overflight of people.
Moving Vehicles, Night Operations, and Preflight
If the operation is not conducted within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, the small unmanned aircraft must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle. Over or within a closed/restricted-access site, directly participating people in moving vehicles may be overflown in Categories 1–4, while those not directly participating must be on notice. Outside such a site, for persons not directly participating in moving vehicles, Categories 1–3 are limited to “Transit Only, No Sustained Flight,” and Category 4 depends on operating limitations specified by the Administrator [1]. Plan to cross roads or traffic lanes briefly and avoid loitering overhead.
Over-people categories and restrictions do not change at night. If the aircraft is eligible for a category under Subpart D, the remote pilot may operate over human beings at night in accordance with §§107.29 and 107.39. Manufacturers and pilots should account for the mass of an anti-collision light when showing/maintaining compliance with §§107.120(a) or 107.130(a) [8].
Preflight must include assessing local airspace and any flight restrictions, identifying the location of persons and moving vehicles not directly participating, determining whether the operation will be over an open-air assembly, and ensuring the aircraft is eligible for the intended category of operation [7]. Use a structured checklist that also addresses crew briefings, emergency and contingency procedures, and required documentation prior to launch [3].
Test Yourself
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