FAA Part 107 Study Guide

Operations Over People & Moving Vehicles

Part 107 limits when a drone may fly over people or moving vehicles. The main idea is simple: know the aircraft category, understand the restrictions, and avoid unnecessary risk to people on the ground.

General Rule: You may not fly over people unless the person is directly involved in the operation, protected by a covered structure or stationary vehicle, or the aircraft qualifies under Category 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Category 1

Under 0.55 lbs

  • Must weigh less than 0.55 lbs, including attachments.
  • No exposed rotating parts that can cut skin.
  • No MOC or DOC required.
  • Remote ID required for sustained flight over open-air assemblies.
Category 2

11 ft-lb Limit

  • Must not exceed 11 foot-pounds of impact energy.
  • No exposed rotating parts that can cut skin.
  • Requires FAA-accepted MOC and DOC.
  • Must be labeled as Category 2.
Category 3

25 ft-lb Limit

  • Must not exceed 25 foot-pounds of impact energy.
  • Requires FAA-accepted MOC and DOC.
  • Must be labeled as Category 3.
  • No operations over open-air assemblies.
Category 4

Airworthiness

  • Requires an FAA-issued airworthiness certificate.
  • Must follow the approved flight manual.
  • Maintenance records must be kept for 1 year.
  • Remote ID required for sustained flight over open-air assemblies.

Open-Air Assemblies

An open-air assembly is a gathering of people outdoors, such as a concert, parade, festival, or sporting event.

  • Category 3: Not allowed over open-air assemblies.
  • Categories 1, 2, and 4: Sustained flight requires Remote ID compliance.

Moving Vehicles

Operations over moving vehicles are limited. For Categories 1, 2, and 3, the drone may not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles.

  • Transit operations only.
  • Do not hover over moving traffic.
  • Category 4 must follow the approved flight manual.

MOC vs. DOC

  • Means of Compliance: Shows the aircraft meets FAA safety standards.
  • Declaration of Compliance: Manufacturer states the aircraft meets the required category.
  • Required for Category 2 and Category 3 operations.
  • Not required for Category 1.

Pilot Judgment Still Matters

Part 107 does not give one fixed distance from people. The Remote Pilot in Command must consider speed, wind, aircraft path, terrain, people, vehicles, and changing conditions.

The goal is not just to be legal. The goal is to operate safely and professionally.

Quick Exam Review

Topic Remember This
Category 1 Under 0.55 lbs and no exposed rotating parts.
Category 2 11 foot-pound injury limit. MOC and DOC required.
Category 3 25 foot-pound injury limit. No open-air assemblies.
Category 4 Requires FAA airworthiness certification.
Moving Vehicles Transit only for Categories 1, 2, and 3.
Remote ID Required for sustained flight over open-air assemblies when allowed.