UA.I.B.K21: Operating limitations for sUAS.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task B: Operating Rules References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 47, 48, 89, and 107, subpart B; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Operations Over People: Categories, Sites, and Open-Air Assemblies

• Categories 1–4: Define operations over people. Category 1 applies to small unmanned aircraft weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less, allowing operations over people with specific restrictions.^[4]
• Closed/Restricted-Access Sites: Operations over people are broadly permitted for direct participants across Categories 1–4. For non-participants, Category 3 requires notification, while Category 4 follows Flight Manual or Administrator-specified limitations.^[2]
• Other Locations: Category 3 is limited to "transit only, no sustained flight" over non-participants. Categories 1 and 2 are allowed but face open-air assembly constraints. Category 4 is governed by FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved Flight Manual limitations.^[2]
• Open-Air Assemblies: Sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited for Categories 1 and 2 unless Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. requirements (§ 89.110 or § 89.115(a)) are met (subject to waiver). Category 3 must not operate over open-air assemblies (§ 107.125(b)). Category 4 may operate over people if not prohibited by its Flight Manual, but sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited unless §§ 89.110 or 89.115(a) are met (subject to waiver).^[2]

Operations Over Moving Vehicles

• Outside Closed/Restricted-Access Sites: Sustained flight over moving vehicles is prohibited. Only brief transit is allowed for Categories 1–3. Category 4 may operate over moving vehicles if not prohibited by its Flight Manual or Administrator.^[4]
• Within Closed/Restricted-Access Sites: Operations over moving vehicles are allowed for direct participants in Categories 1–4. For non-participants, Categories 1–3 require notification, while Category 4 follows its Flight Manual/Administrator limitations.^[4]

Configuration, Payload, and Preflight Duties for Over-People Operations

• Preflight Inspection: Mandatory for ensuring aircraft safety. Over-people operations require a more complex preflight assessment, considering location and risk factors.^[1]
• Category 2 and 3 Eligibility: Depends on following remote pilot operating instructions. Only pre-approved payloads may be used, and they must be securely attached. Non-compliance results in ineligibility for over-people operations.^[1]
• Remote Pilot Operating Instructions: Must be current and detailed to ensure compliance. The remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. is responsible for determining safe operational parameters and verifying up-to-date instructions before flight.^[6]

Airspace Interfaces: TRSA Service and Special Flight Rules

• Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs): Not Part 71 airspace and have no specific Part 91 rules. They offer optional radar services. The primary airport within a TRSATerminal Radar Service AreaCloseAirspace around some busy airports where radar services are offered; participation is generally voluntary for VFR pilots. becomes Class D, with the remainder overlying Class E airspace. Participation is voluntary for VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. pilots. Using TRSATerminal Radar Service AreaCloseAirspace around some busy airports where radar services are offered; participation is generally voluntary for VFR pilots. services near busy airports can improve situational awareness but is not required.^[3]
• Special Air Traffic Rules and Special Flight Rules Areas: Exist in 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. Part 93. Check for special procedures or limitations when operating near these areas.^[3]