UA.I.E.K3: Category of operations, including:

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

Framework and Definitions for Operations Over People (OOP)

Subpart D outlines the rules for flying over people or moving vehicles. A remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. can conduct OOPOperations Over PeopleClosePart 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios. under Category 1 (§107.110), Category 2 (§§107.115 and 107.120), Category 3 (§§107.125 and 107.130), or Category 4 (§107.140), in addition to exceptions in §107.39(a) and (b).^[8] Outside Subpart D, §107.39 prohibits flight over a person not under safe cover unless directly participating (remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., manipulator of controls, VOVisual ObserverCloseA person who helps the remote PIC see and avoid hazards during a drone operation., or required crewmember).^[7]

Category 1–4: Eligibility and Core Limits

• Category 1: Aircraft must weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less, with no exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies requires compliance with §89.110 or §89.115(a).^[8][7]

• Category 2: Aircraft must not cause injury greater than 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, have no exposed rotating parts, and no safety defects. It must display a permanent Category 2 label and include remote pilot operating instructions covering system description, limitations, declared category, permissible modifications, and configuration modes. If the label is damaged/missing, the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must affix a new one before OOPOperations Over PeopleClosePart 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios.. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies requires compliance with §89.110 or §89.115(a).^[3][4][5]

• Category 3: Similar to Category 2 but cannot operate over open-air assemblies (§107.125(b)). When not over/within a closed- or restricted-access site, flight over non-participating people is for transit only, not sustained flight.^[2]

• Category 4: Aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate under part 21, be operated per its FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved Flight Manual or other specified limitations that do not prohibit OOPOperations Over PeopleClosePart 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios., and be maintained/inspected as specified. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies requires compliance with §89.110 or §89.115(a). The remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must adhere to all operating limitations.^[4][7]

Practical Implications: Verify the category label and current remote pilot operating instructions before OOPOperations Over PeopleClosePart 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios.. Operate only within the declared category and configurations; unlisted payloads or ignoring required components can void eligibility for Cat 2/3 OOPOperations Over PeopleClosePart 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios..^[3][5][6] The remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. is responsible for safe parameters; instructions aid decision-making but do not replace judgment.^[5]

Open-Air Assemblies, Closed/Restricted Sites, and “On Notice”

• Over or within a closed- or restricted-access site:

  • Cat 1 and Cat 2: Allowed over non-participating people, but sustained flight over open-air assemblies requires §89.110 or §89.115(a) (waiver available).^[2]
  • Cat 3: Non-participating people must be “on notice.” Prohibited over open-air assemblies (§107.125(b)).^[2]
  • Cat 4: Allowed if not prohibited by operating limitations; sustained flight over open-air assemblies requires §89.110 or §89.115(a) (waiver available).^[2]

• Not over/within a closed- or restricted-access site:

  • Cat 1 and Cat 2: Allowed over non-participating people, with the same open-air assembly limitation.^[2]
  • Cat 3: Only transit over non-participating people; no sustained flight.^[2]
  • Cat 4: Must adhere to aircraft operating limitations.^[2]

Operations Over Moving Vehicles

Outside a closed- or restricted-access site, only transit over moving vehicles is allowed for Cat 1–3; no sustained flight. Within a closed/restricted site, non-participating people must be “on notice.” Category 4 aircraft may operate over moving vehicles if not prohibited by operating limitations.^[1]

Checklist for the Test and Field:

• Confirm category eligibility, label, and current operating instructions before OOPOperations Over PeopleClosePart 107 rules for flying over people, open-air assemblies, and related scenarios. (Cat 2/3).^[3][4][5]
• For Cat 2/3, use only required/approved components and payloads; secure them throughout the flight.^[6]
• Plan enhanced preflight for OOP: consider people’s locations and environmental risk factors.^[6]
• For open-air assemblies, apply category-specific prohibitions and Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. requirements; note waiver cases.^[2][4][8]
• For moving vehicles, know the “transit only” rule outside closed/restricted sites, and the Category 4 exception via operating limitations.^[1]