UA.I.E.K1: Remote pilot responsibilities when operating over people.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task E: Operations Over People References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 89 and 107; 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

Determine Eligibility and Category Before Flight

Before flying over people, determine if your operation is allowed under part 107 and identify the applicable category. Section 107.39 prohibits flight over non-participants unless you meet one of the four categories in subpart D. Direct participants, such as the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., a person manipulating the controls, a visual observer, or other required crewmembers, may be flown over regardless of category eligibility for nonparticipants. Category 1 is for small unmanned aircraft weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less, including everything on board or attached, and without exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin. Categories 2 and 3 require meeting performance-based injury limitations, while Category 4 involves an airworthiness certificate under 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 21 with specific operating limitations. Identify your operation’s category before launch. ^[1]

Ensure the aircraft is properly labeled and listed on an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-accepted Declaration of Compliance (DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.) for Category 2 or 3, and perform thorough preflight actions. These responsibilities apply day or night; categories and restrictions remain unchanged at night. Night operations over people are allowed if you comply with §§ 107.29 and 107.39. Manufacturers may need to consider the mass of an anti-collision light when declaring Category 2 or 3 eligibility under §§ 107.120(a) or 107.130(a). ^[2]

People, Places, and Open-Air Assemblies

When operating over or within a closed- or restricted-access site, flight over direct participants is allowed in all categories. For nonparticipants, Category 1 and 2 operations are allowed with specific limitations regarding open-air assemblies, Category 3 requires nonparticipants to be on notice, and Category 4 depends on operating limitations in the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved Flight Manual or as specified by the Administrator. Outside a closed/restricted site, direct participants may be flown over in all categories; for nonparticipants, Category 1 and 2 are allowed with limitations, Category 3 is limited to transit only (no sustained flight), and Category 4 again depends on operating limitations. Category 1 and 2 operations are prohibited from sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) (subject to waiver). Category 3 operations must not operate over open-air assemblies of human beings (§ 107.125(b)). Category 4 operations are also prohibited from sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) are met (subject to waiver). Determine whether your location is a closed/restricted site, whether people are direct participants, and whether an activity constitutes an open-air assembly before you launch. ^[3]

Moving Vehicles

Outside a closed/restricted site, do not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle; only brief transit is permitted for Categories 1, 2, and 3 when nonparticipants are involved. Within a closed/restricted site, operations over moving vehicles are allowed for Categories 1–3 when conditions in the tables are met (e.g., nonparticipants must be on notice). Category 4 aircraft may operate over moving vehicles if not prohibited by the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved Flight Manual or other Administrator-specified operating limitations. Classify the site correctly and avoid sustained overflight of moving vehicles when outside a closed/restricted site. ^[4]

Operating Instructions, Modifications, and Preflight

Follow the remote pilot operating instructions for the aircraft and ensure you are using the current instructions for your intended operation over people. These instructions explain how to configure the aircraft to meet the applicable category requirements; however, as PICPilot in CommandCloseThe person responsible for the flight. Under Part 107, this is usually the remote pilot in command., you are ultimately responsible for determining safe operational parameters. Deviations or modifications not provided for in the instructions can invalidate over-people eligibility. ^[5]

Operating instructions will specify allowable modifications and required components to maintain Category 2 or 3 eligibility; if the aircraft has variable modes or configurations, the instructions must explain how to verify and switch configurations. Any modification affecting Category 2 or 3 eligibility requires submission of a new DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories. before conducting operations over people. Treat configuration control as a go/no-go item. ^[6]

If you or another person modify the aircraft in a way not permissible by the operating instructions, the aircraft becomes ineligible for Category 2 or 3 operations over people. To regain eligibility, the modifier assumes applicant responsibilities to show compliance with the performance-based safety requirements using an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-accepted means of compliance and must submit a new DOCDeclaration of ComplianceCloseManufacturer compliance document that matters for some Operations Over People categories.. Manufacturers may issue updates (software/hardware) and corresponding operating instructions; you are responsible for applying and following them. ^[7]

Perform an enhanced preflight assessment for over-people missions. Consider the location of people, weather, and risk factors, and ensure any payload permitted for Category 2 or 3 is listed in the operating instructions and securely attached throughout the operation. Ineligible payloads or insecure attachments will invalidate Category 2/3 eligibility. ^[8]