UA.I.B.K23: Automated operations.
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
Understanding “Automated” Functions in the NAS
Automation spans both onboard aircraft systems and ground-based ATC tools. An autoland system is a sub-system of the autopilot that can control the aircraft during a precision instrument approach to at least decision altitude, possibly through touchdown and even rollout; the autopilot issues commands to the autoland system and monitors its performance and integrity during execution[4]. ATC facilities also use automation such as Automated Information Transfer (AIT) for nonverbal transfer of altitude control and/or radar identification, and Automated Problem Detection (APD) to compare trajectories and predict conflicts[4]. For a remote pilot, the takeaway is that automated functions—whether on your aircraft or in the ATC system—execute programmed logic. You must anticipate how those modes behave so they do not create an unsafe or noncompliant flight path.
Automation and Operations Over People and Vehicles
If you employ automated modes (e.g., loiter, waypoint transits), configure them so the aircraft does not maintain prohibited overflight patterns. When operating not within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, a small unmanned aircraft must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle; only transit is permitted (“Transit Only, No Sustained Flight”) for nonparticipants across Categories 1–3[2]. Within or over a closed/restricted-access site, operations over moving vehicles are allowed for directly participating persons across Categories 1–4, and for persons not directly participating, Categories 1–3 require that those persons be “on notice” of the operation; Category 4 must follow its FAA-approved operating limitations[2].
- Category 1 is for small unmanned aircraft that weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less on takeoff and throughout the duration of flight[2].
- Category 4 aircraft may be eligible to operate over moving vehicles if the FAA-approved Flight Manual operating limitations (or other Administrator specifications) do not prohibit it[2].
For operations over people at closed/restricted-access sites, Categories 1–3 are allowed for directly participating persons; for persons not directly participating, Category 1 and Category 2 are allowed but note the prohibition on sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) (this prohibition is subject to waiver). Category 3 eligible aircraft must not operate over open-air assemblies of human beings (§ 107.125(b)). Category 4 may operate over people if not prohibited by its FAA-approved operating limitations, but sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited unless § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) is met (also subject to waiver)[6].
Outside closed/restricted-access sites, over-people rules are similar: Categories 1–3 allow operations over directly participating persons, while for persons not directly participating, Category 1 and Category 2 are allowed with the same open-air assembly constraint tied to § 89.110 or § 89.115(a); Category 3 is “Transit Only, No Sustained Flight” for nonparticipants; Category 4 follows its FAA-approved operating limitations[6]. In practical terms, ensure any automated flight mode does not loiter over moving vehicles or nonparticipants where only transit or notice-based limitations apply.
Configuration, Instructions, and Preflight for Automated Operations
Eligible Category 2/3 aircraft will have remote pilot operating instructions describing how to configure the aircraft to meet the applicable requirements for operations over people; these instructions aid decision-making, but it is ultimately the remote PIC’s responsibility to determine safe operational parameters[7]. Keep the instructions up to date, and clearly identify which version applies at the time of flight[7]. For Category 2/3, do not modify the aircraft beyond what is listed in the remote pilot operating instructions; permissible payloads (e.g., a pre-approved camera) must be securely attached throughout operations, and failure to follow these instructions makes the aircraft ineligible for Category 2/3 operations over people[3]. Part 107 requires a preflight inspection and ensuring the aircraft is in condition for safe operation; for operations over people, the assessment should be more complex, accounting for factors such as the location of people and weather[3]. When using automated modes, verify preprogrammed routes, loiter behaviors, and failsafe actions align with the applicable category limitations.
Regulatory Anchors You Should Know
Know where these rules live and how they interrelate. Title 14 CFR Part 107 governs small unmanned aircraft systems, Part 89 covers Remote Identification (including §§ 89.110 and 89.115(a) referenced above), and Part 93 addresses Special Air Traffic Rules. Title 49 CFR Part 830 addresses accident/incident notification and reporting. Also be familiar with Parts 1, 71, 73, 91, 99, and 48 as they connect to definitions, airspace, general operating rules, security, and registration/marking[8].
Test Yourself
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