FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)RegulationsMedium
A drone manufacturer wants to declare its 4-pound quadcopter compliant for Category 2 operations over people under Part 107 Subpart D. In addition to meeting the injury severity threshold, what design feature must the aircraft have?
- ANo exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin
- BA parachute recovery system certified by a third party
- CAn FAA-issued special airworthiness certificate
- DA maximum weight under 0.55 pounds including payload
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin
For Category 2 operations over people, the manufacturer must ensure the sUAS will not cause injury above the applicable threshold AND has no exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect — a parachute isn't a mandatory Category 2 requirement, though it can help meet injury thresholds.
- C. Incorrect — an airworthiness certificate is required for Category 4, not Category 2.
- D. Incorrect — that weight limit applies to Category 1, not Category 2.
Category 2 Operations Over People
A Part 107 category allowing sustained flight over people if the sUAS meets an injury severity threshold and has no exposed rotating parts capable of lacerating skin.
- Requires means of compliance declaration to FAA
- No exposed lacerating rotating parts
- Higher weight allowed than Category 1
- Distinct from Category 3 (open-air assembly restrictions) and Category 4 (airworthiness cert)
Memory trick: '2 = No Slice' — Category 2 means no exposed blades that cut.