UA.I.E.K5: Minimum distances from a person.
ACS Area I — Regulations Task E: Operations Over People References: 14 CFR parts 89 and 107; AC 107-2; FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-G-8082-22
Key Concepts
Categories of Operations Over People
Operations of small unmanned aircraft (sUAS) over people are regulated under 14 CFR Part 107, Subpart D, which defines four distinct categories: Category 1, Category 2, Category 3, and Category 4. Each category establishes eligibility criteria based on the design, weight, performance, and airworthiness of the aircraft, and imposes specific limitations on operations over people[3].
Category 1 is limited to sUAS weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less at takeoff and throughout the duration of the flight, with no exposed rotating parts capable of lacerating human skin. There are additional restrictions—if flying as a Category 1 operation, the sUAS must not operate in sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless certain remote ID requirements are met or a waiver is granted[1][3].
Categories 2 and 3 permit operations by sUAS that meet specific performance-based safety requirements to limit risk of injury in case of a crash. Category 2 and 3 aircraft must be listed on an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance (DOC). However, Category 3 prohibits operation over open-air assemblies of human beings, and both Category 2 and 3 limit sustained flight over people who are not directly participating, except within a closed or restricted-access site where people are on notice[1].
Category 4 applies to sUAS with an airworthiness certificate under 14 CFR part 21, provided that operations over people are not restricted by the FAA-approved Flight Manual or Administrator. Operations over open-air assemblies in this category also require specific remote ID compliance or a waiver[1][3].
Minimum Distances and Who Can Be Overflown
The term "minimum distance from a person" is regulated primarily by the context of whether the person is directly participating in the UAS operation, is under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle, or is simply a member of the public nearby[3].
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Direct Participants: Remote pilots, persons controlling the UAS, visual observers, and other necessary crew members are considered directly participating. Operations over these individuals are permitted in all four categories[1][3].
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Not Directly Participating: The minimum requirements are dictated by category and the operational environment:
- Closed/Restricted Access Site: In Categories 1, 2, and 3, operations over non-participating persons are permissible if those persons are either on notice (informed of the risk involved) or, in some situations, sustained flight is not allowed[1].
- Open Environment (Not Closed/Restricted): For non-participants outside these sites, sustained flight over a person is not permitted in Categories 2 and 3. Only transit (momentary flight overhead) is permitted. Category 1 and 2 also prohibit sustained flight over open-air assemblies except under specific compliance conditions[1].
Section 107.39 more generally prohibits operations over a person unless that person is directly participating in the operation or is protected by a covered structure or stationary vehicle, or the operation meets the requirements of one of the designated categories[3].
Operations Over Moving Vehicles
Special rules apply to operations over people inside moving vehicles. Outside of closed/restricted-access environments, sUAS must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle, regardless of category (transit flight only is permitted)[2]. However, Category 4 sUAS may be eligible for such operations if not prohibited by their Flight Manual or Administrator instructions[2].
Within closed/restricted-access sites, operations over moving vehicles are permitted if the occupants are on notice for Categories 1, 2, and 3. In Category 4, operations are allowed unless otherwise limited[2].
Practical Pilot Responsibilities and Compliance
The remote pilot in command (PIC) must determine and verify that the sUAS being flown is eligible for the intended category of operation. Preflight procedures should include identifying the locations of all people in the area of operation, understanding who is directly participating, confirming the category of the aircraft, and reviewing any relevant operating instructions or FAA flight manual limitations[6].
Labeling and documentation requirements also apply: the sUAS must be properly labeled for the category of operation, and listed on an FAA-accepted DOC if required[6].
Operations conducted at night must follow the same category restrictions as daytime operations, with additional consideration for anti-collision lighting if required by the UAS category[6].
Test Yourself
UA.I.E.K5No practice questions are currently available for this specific knowledge element.