FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsMedium

A remote pilot is hired to capture aerial footage of a car dealership's promotional event, which will include the UAS flying over vehicles being driven around a closed lot for the video. Under 14 CFR Part 107 Subpart D, what must be true for this operation to be conducted legally over the moving vehicles?

  1. AA Part 107 waiver is always required for any UAS operation over a moving vehicle.
  2. BThe operation is legal only if all vehicles travel below 15 mph.
  3. CThe UAS may not maintain sustained flight over the moving vehicles unless the operation occurs within or over a closed- or restricted-access site.
  4. DThe operation is never permitted regardless of conditions.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. The UAS may not maintain sustained flight over the moving vehicles unless the operation occurs within or over a closed- or restricted-access site.

Under 14 CFR 107.145, sustained flight over moving vehicles is permitted only within or over a closed- or restricted-access site (or under other qualifying conditions for the appropriate operating category), such as a controlled dealership lot where participants are aware of the operation.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. A waiver is not always required if the operation fits within Subpart D's category conditions.
  • B. There is no specific speed threshold like 15 mph in the regulation; the site-access condition governs instead.
  • D. Operations over moving vehicles are permitted under specific conditions, not outright banned.

Operations Over Moving Vehicles

Part 107 Subpart D rule requiring that sustained flight over a moving vehicle occur only within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, unless other category conditions are met.

  • Governed by 14 CFR 107.145
  • Closed/restricted-access site required for sustained overflight
  • Applies in addition to Category 1–4 operations over people rules
  • Occupants of stationary vehicles must be notified in certain cases

Memory trick: 'Closed lot, open shot' — moving vehicles need a controlled site.

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