FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot is planning to use a sUAS for a commercial photography assignment over a remote, unpopulated area. The client asks if the sUAS can drop small promotional leaflets during the flight. Under what conditions, if any, is dropping objects from a sUAS permitted under Part 107?
- AObjects may be dropped if they are not hazardous and cause no undue hazard to persons or property.
- BObjects weighing less than 0.5 pounds may be dropped without restriction.
- CDropping objects is always prohibited from a sUAS under Part 107.
- DOnly if a Certificate of Waiver (CoW) is obtained from the FAA for dropping objects.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Objects may be dropped if they are not hazardous and cause no undue hazard to persons or property.
14 CFR Part 107.25 states that a remote pilot in command may not allow an object to be dropped from a sUAS in a manner that creates an undue hazard to persons or property. The regulation implies that if no undue hazard is created, dropping objects is permissible. Promotional leaflets in an unpopulated area, if small and light, are unlikely to create an undue hazard.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Weight is not the sole determinant; the primary factor is whether an undue hazard is created, regardless of weight below a certain threshold.
- C. This is incorrect; dropping objects is not always prohibited, but regulated.
- D. A CoW is not generally required specifically for dropping objects if the conditions of 107.25 are met; it's for waiving specific sections of Part 107.
Dropping Objects (107.25)
14 CFR Part 107.25 permits dropping objects from a small unmanned aircraft, provided that it does not create an undue hazard to persons or property.
- Not outright prohibited, but safety is paramount.
- Must not create 'undue hazard' to people or property.
- Remote pilot responsible for assessing safety.
Memory trick: Drop it, but don't bop it!