A remote pilot in command is planning to conduct a sUAS aerial photography flight in a densely populated urban area. The operation will involve flying directly over people who are not participating in the operation or under protective structures. Which category of operations over human beings under 14 CFR Part 107 is most likely applicable, assuming the sUAS meets the necessary performance and safety requirements?
- ACategory 1
- BCategory 2
- CCategory 4
- DCategory 3
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Category 2
Category 2 operations allow for flight over people not directly participating in the operation or not under a covered structure, provided the sUAS weighs less than 25 pounds, does not have any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact, and is designed to prevent injury (e.g., through energy absorption or frangibility) with an impact kinetic energy transfer of 11 foot-pounds or less. Given the scenario of flying directly over people in a populated area, Category 2 is the most likely applicable if the sUAS meets these requirements.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Category 1 is for very light sUAS (0.55 lbs or less) and allows flight over people without specific design requirements, but the question implies a sUAS that might be heavier (e.g., for photography).
- C. Category 4 requires an airworthiness certificate under Part 21, which is a much higher bar than typically implied for Part 107 operations, and is primarily for operations over open-air assemblies.
- D. Category 3 applies to flight over non-participating people only when the operation is in a restricted access site, or people are under a covered structure, or the sUAS is operating in a closed-set motion picture/television production.
Operations Over People Categories
14 CFR Part 107.145 establishes four categories (1, 2, 3, 4) for sUAS operations over human beings, each with specific weight, design, and operating limitations.
- Category 1: sUAS ≤ 0.55 lbs.
- Category 2: sUAS < 25 lbs, specific injury prevention, impact kinetic energy ≤ 11 ft-lbs.
- Category 3: sUAS < 25 lbs, higher impact energy allowed, but restricted operating environment (e.g., restricted access site, covered structure).
- Category 4: Requires airworthiness certificate, for operations over open-air assemblies.
Memory trick: Categories 'One-Two-Three-Four', 'Over People' for sure, 'Rules' for each 'Score'.