UA.I.E.K6: Operations over moving vehicles.

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

Core rule for moving vehicles

• Outside a closed- or restricted-access site, you must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle. For Categories 1–3, only brief transit across moving vehicles is permitted; no lingering or orbiting. Category 4 aircraft may be eligible to operate over moving vehicles if their 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) does not prohibit it. When persons in moving vehicles are directly participating in the operation, flight over those vehicles is allowed in all categories, even outside a closed site. ^[1]

Closed/restricted-access sites vs. public areas

• Over or within a closed/restricted-access site:
  • Direct participants: Operations over moving vehicles are allowed for Categories 1–4. ^[1]
  • Not directly participating: Categories 1–3 may operate over moving vehicles only if those persons are on notice; Category 4 remains subject to its operating limitations. ^[1]
• Not over or within a closed/restricted-access site:
  • Direct participants: Operations over moving vehicles are allowed for Categories 1–4. ^[1]
  • Not directly participating: Categories 1–3 are limited to transit only—no sustained flight—over moving vehicles; Category 4 remains subject to its operating limitations. ^[1]
• Practical takeaway: If you cannot control the site and ensure people are on notice, plan routes and altitudes that avoid loitering over traffic. Use only brief crossings when necessary, and terminate or alter the maneuver if you would otherwise remain over moving vehicles. ^[1]

Who is a “direct participant” and how categories apply

• § 107.39 prohibits operations over a person who is not under a safe cover (e.g., protective structure or a stationary vehicle) unless conducted under one of the Subpart D categories. Direct participants include the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation., anyone manipulating the controls, a visual observer, and crewmembers necessary for safety, and they should be directly involved in the operation. Category 1 aircraft weigh 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less and must not have exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact. ^[2]
• Category 4 details: To conduct Category 4 operations, the aircraft must have a part 21 airworthiness certificate and be operated per all applicable operating limitations, which must not prohibit operations over human beings. Sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited unless the operation meets § 89.110 or § 89.115(a). The remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must comply with those aircraft operating limitations. ^[3]
• For open-air assemblies under Categories 1, 2, and 4, sustained flight restrictions also apply unless the operation meets § 89.110 or § 89.115(a). Category 3 aircraft must not operate over open-air assemblies. ^[7]

Documentation, labeling, and preflight discipline

• Remote pilot responsibilities for any operation over people (including moving vehicles) include confirming the aircraft is in the correct category, 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, and accomplishing recommended preflight actions. ^[4]
• If a Category 2 or 3 label is damaged, destroyed, or missing, the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. must affix an English label that is legible, prominent, durable for the operation, and correctly identifies the eligible categories before conducting operations over human beings. ^[3]
• Use a structured preflight to mitigate moving-vehicle risks: assess local weather and airspace, identify the location of persons and property on the surface, and note other ground hazards; brief crew roles, emergency/contingency procedures, and ensure all required documentation is available. ^[5]
• For Category 2/3 aircraft, follow the manufacturer’s remote pilot operating instructions to configure the aircraft so it continues to meet applicable requirements; the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. remains ultimately responsible for safe operational parameters. ^[6]

Night operations context

• The categories and their restrictions for operations over people, including the risk mitigations that underpin eligibility, do not change at night. If the aircraft is eligible for a category at night, you may operate over human beings at night in accordance with §§ 107.29 and 107.39. Manufacturers may need to consider the mass of an anti-collision light in their Category 2/3 compliance, but the operational moving-vehicle limitations themselves do not change due to darkness. ^[4]