A remote pilot is planning to use a sUAS for a commercial photography assignment over a remote, unpopulated area. The plan involves dropping small, biodegradable confetti during a specific moment of the shot. The confetti is lightweight and will disperse harmlessly. What regulatory consideration applies to this operation?
- AThis operation is prohibited under 14 CFR Part 107, as dropping any object is forbidden.
- BThe operation is permitted under 14 CFR Part 107.25, provided it does not create an undue hazard to persons or property.
- CA waiver from the FAA is required for dropping any object from a sUAS.
- DThe remote pilot must obtain special airworthiness certification for the sUAS to drop objects.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The operation is permitted under 14 CFR Part 107.25, provided it does not create an undue hazard to persons or property.
14 CFR Part 107.25 states that 'No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system and allow an object to be dropped from that small unmanned aircraft system in a manner that creates an undue hazard to persons or property.' Since the confetti is lightweight, biodegradable, and dropped over an unpopulated area, it is unlikely to create an undue hazard, thus making the operation permissible under this rule.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dropping objects is not universally forbidden; it is conditional on not creating an undue hazard.
- C. A waiver is not required if the operation complies with 107.25; it's for deviations from rules.
- D. Special airworthiness certification is not required for dropping objects under Part 107, only adherence to the undue hazard rule.
Dropping Objects from sUAS (107.25)
14 CFR Part 107.25 permits dropping objects from a sUAS, provided the operation does not create an undue hazard to persons or property on the ground.
- Not outright prohibited, but conditional.
- Pilot must assess for 'undue hazard'.
- Factors include object weight, nature, drop location, and environmental conditions.
Memory trick: Dropping objects is 'Okay' if 'No Undue Hazard' is found.