UA.II.B.K9: Manned aircraft lighting.

ACS Area II — Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements Task B: Airspace Operational Requirements References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 71; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; 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; SAFOSafety Alert for OperatorsCloseFAA safety alert that shares operational safety information. 10015

Key Concepts

Why manned-aircraft lighting awareness matters to a remote PIC

Your ability to anticipate where crewed traffic operates—and to keep your small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. predictable and accountable in shared airspace—is central to exam success. Controlled airspace concentrates crewed aircraft. Class A spans from 18,000 feet MSLMean Sea LevelCloseAltitude measured from average sea level, not from the ground below you. up to and including FLFlight LevelCloseAltitude expressed using a standard pressure setting, mainly relevant to higher-altitude crewed aviation. 600 and includes airspace overlying waters within 12 NMNautical MileCloseA distance unit used in aviation. One nautical mile is about 1.15 statute miles. of the U.S. coast; Class B generally extends from the surface to 10,000 feet MSLMean Sea LevelCloseAltitude measured from average sea level, not from the ground below you. around the busiest airports. Expect higher volumes of manned operations in these areas and plan your UASUnmanned Aircraft SystemCloseAn unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components. operation accordingly. Use current aeronautical charts or the B4UFLYB4UFLYCloseFAA-recognized planning tool for checking nearby airspace and flight restrictions before a drone flight. app to identify the airspace at your location before you fly. These tools support the required preflight familiarization and aid your decisions about where and when to operate in relation to crewed traffic flows you may observe. ^{[6] [8]}

Preflight actions that support safe operations around crewed traffic

Regulations require the remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. to conduct preflight familiarization, inspection, and other actions before flight (§ 107.49). That assessment must include local weather, local airspace and any flight restrictions, the location of persons and moving vehicles not directly participating, whether the operation will be over an open-air assembly, and other ground hazards. This structured preflight helps you plan an operation that minimizes conflict with other NASNational Airspace SystemCloseThe shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within. users. For higher-risk contexts (for example, operations over people), the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. emphasizes that preflight should be more comprehensive to account for the added risk. ^{[8] [4]}

Know the limits when operating near people and vehicles so your attention can remain on the airspace picture. Outside a closed- or restricted-access site, operations over moving vehicles are limited to brief transit—no sustained flight. If the site is not closed/restricted, “the small unmanned aircraft must not maintain sustained flight over any moving vehicle,” and the tables specify “Transit Only, No Sustained Flight” for Categories 1–3. ^[3] When operating over people, Categories 1 and 2 may have allowances, but sustained flight over open-air assemblies is prohibited unless the operation meets § 89.110 or § 89.115(a); Category 3 must not operate over open-air assemblies; Category 4 may operate subject to its operating limitations and the same open‑air‑assembly constraint tied to part 89. Plan your mission profile to comply so you can devote attention to the surrounding airspace. ^[5]

Accountability tools that enhance shared‑airspace awareness

After September 16, 2023, most small unmanned aircraft that are registered or required to be registered must comply with remote identification. The serial number of a standard remote ID UA or of a broadcast module (if used) must be listed on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration, and a module’s serial can be moved between aircraft only if it’s also moved on the registration before operation. Small unmanned aircraft weighing 0.55 pounds or less must comply with remote ID when operated under any operating part that requires registration. Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. provides data on the UA’s location and identification and gives airspace awareness to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes., national security, and law enforcement to distinguish compliant users—an important backdrop when sharing airspace with crewed aircraft. ^[2]

Labeling and eligibility markings keep your aircraft’s capabilities clear. Category 2 design and production standards include not exceeding injury severity equivalent to a transfer of 11 foot‑pounds of kinetic energy, no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin, and no safety defects; the aircraft must display a legible, prominent, permanent label indicating Category 2 eligibility and include remote pilot operating instructions. 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, and remains for the duration of the operation before conducting operations over people. ^{[1] [7]}

Category 4 context in mixed airspace

Category 4 operations require an aircraft with an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21, operated per approved Flight Manual limitations that do not prohibit operations over people, and with required maintenance performed. No Category 4 operation may be conducted in sustained flight over open‑air assemblies unless the operation meets § 89.110 or § 89.115(a). Understanding these limits helps you plan legal missions in complex areas where crewed traffic is present. ^[7]