UA.I.B.K6: Hazardous 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
Operations Over People and Open-Air Assemblies
Part 107 allows limited operations over people but imposes strict conditions that scale with risk. Category 1 applies to small unmanned aircraft that weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less on takeoff and throughout the flight. Within a closed- or restricted-access site, operations over people who are not directly participating are allowed in Category 1 and 2, subject to restrictions on open-air assemblies. Category 3 requires people who are not directly participating to be on notice, and Category 4 operations are governed by the aircraft’s FAA-approved Flight Manual operating limitations or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited for Category 1 and 2 unless the operation meets the requirements of § 89.110 or § 89.115(a); Category 3 eligible small unmanned aircraft must not operate over open-air assemblies of human beings (§ 107.125(b)). Category 4 may operate over human beings if not prohibited by operating limitations, but sustained flight over open-air assemblies is likewise restricted to operations meeting § 89.110 or § 89.115(a), subject to waiver. Practically, for events and crowds, you must know your aircraft’s category, whether the site is closed/restricted, and whether the crowd constitutes an open-air assembly; if it does, additional Remote ID requirements in §§ 89.110 or 89.115(a) apply or a waiver is needed. [2]
When not operating within a closed/restricted site, operations over people who are not directly participating are more constrained. For Category 1 and 2, they are allowed, but with the open‑air assembly limitations noted above. Category 3 is limited to “Transit Only, No Sustained Flight” over people who are not directly participating; Category 4 remains subject to its operating limitations. This means you may briefly cross over people during transit to another area but cannot loiter or orbit. [3]
Operations Over Moving Vehicles
If the operation is not within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, the small unmanned aircraft must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle. In this context, all categories (1–3) may transit but not loiter over moving vehicles outside such a site; Category 4 may be eligible if its operating limitations permit. Within a closed/restricted site, overflight of moving vehicles is allowed for directly participating persons across Categories 1–4; for persons not directly participating, Categories 1–3 require that those persons be on notice, and Category 4 remains governed by its operating limitations. Operationally, plan routes to avoid hovering over traffic, use brief crossing segments when necessary, and prefer closed/restricted sites with access control to expand permissible options. [1]
Configuration, Payload, and Preflight Controls for Higher-Risk Ops
Eligibility to operate over people in Category 2 or 3 depends on complying with the aircraft’s remote pilot operating instructions. Only pre‑approved payloads (such as specified cameras) may be used, and any permissible payload must be securely attached throughout operations; otherwise, the aircraft becomes ineligible for Category 2/3 operations over people. This is a common exam and operational pitfall: adding an unlisted accessory or failing to secure a payload voids the aircraft’s eligibility for over‑people operations. [4]
Remote pilots are still required by Part 107 to conduct a preflight inspection and ensure the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. For operations over people, the preflight assessment should be more complex to account for higher risk—specifically considering the location of the people over whom the aircraft would fly and the weather and other factors that may increase ground risk. Treat over‑people flights as a higher‑consequence mission: verify configuration, payload security, containment/ground‑risk controls, and emergency procedures before launch. [4]
Remote pilot operating instructions should provide enough detail to configure the aircraft to ensure compliance with the applicable category requirements, but it remains the remote PIC’s responsibility to determine safe operational parameters. Always verify you are referencing the current instructions for your make/model and that your configuration matches the documented eligible setup before commencing an over‑people operation. [5]
Airspace and Special Rules That Increase Hazard
Hazard increases in terminal areas with dense traffic and complex services. Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs) include a Class D surface area for the primary airport, and the remaining portions typically overlie Class E airspace beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet. VFR pilots are encouraged to participate in TRSA radar services, but participation is voluntary. TRSAs are depicted on VFR charts with a solid black line, and the Class D portion is shown with a blue segmented line. For remote PICs, voluntary coordination can improve situational awareness near busy airports and reduce conflict risk in these layered airspaces. [7]
Additionally, Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) and Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRA) are designated in 14 CFR Part 93 and occur throughout the NAS. These areas have specific procedures due to unique traffic or airspace complexity. While planning near or within such areas, expect additional constraints that can elevate hazard if not anticipated, and ensure your operation aligns with applicable CFR parts, including Parts 89, 93, 99, and 107. [8] [6]
Test Yourself
UA.I.B.K6No practice questions are currently available for this specific knowledge element.