Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations Over Crowds Become More Feasible - Find Out the Reasons
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced a new set of rules aimed at streamlining the process for drones to fly over people, while maintaining a focus on safety. The new regulations, which categorize drones based on their weight, provide clearer guidelines for commercial operations.
Under the new rules, drones weighing 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or less, often including popular models like the DJI Air Series and Parrot Anafi AIS, can operate over people without the need for a waiver. These drones must have no exposed rotating parts that could cause injury, and flights over open-air assemblies require compliance with Remote ID.
Drones that weigh more than 0.55 lbs but less than or equal to 0.88 lbs are subject to additional safety requirements, including propeller guards, anti-collision lighting, Remote ID, and a visual observer. However, these drones cannot fly over open-air assemblies of people, and their operations over people are limited.
Drones weighing over 0.88 lbs but less than 3.5 lbs require a waiver, in addition to the requirements for smaller drones. This category includes popular drones such as the DJI Mavic Series, Autel Lite and Evo 2 Series, Skydio 2 and X2, Phantom 4 Pro V2, DJI FPV, and Avata 1.
The new rules also categorize drones based on weight for operations over people. Category 2 drones may weigh more than 0.55 lbs and must meet performance-based eligibility requirements, including Remote ID compliance. However, Category 3 drones may not fly over open-air assemblies of people, and Category 4 drones require an airworthiness certificate under Part 21 to fly over people or moving vehicles.
The FAA has approved only one UAS under Category 3 (the senseFly eBee), and zero drones have been approved under Categories 2 and 4.
The new rules for waivers are also categorized based on the weight of the UAS. The FAA has made it easier to secure waivers for UAS operations over people, but the rule itself has not changed. Waiver requests for drones over 0.88 lbs can be submitted via the FAA Drone Zone website.
The FAA has recognised that there have not been many accidents involving drone crashes over people. Compliance with the additional safety requirements can help avoid accidents and minimise damage should an accident happen.
Recent executive orders aim to encourage the FAA to expedite rules enabling expanded drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) while ensuring safety and countering threats from misuse of drones. This regulatory movement intends to foster innovation and safer integration of drones in the national airspace.
In summary, smaller drones that weigh under 0.55 lbs with no exposed hazardous parts are most likely to be allowed to fly over people under these new rules without requiring waivers. Larger drones may be allowed with additional certifications and restrictions. The new rules simplify routine flights over people by defining categories with clear technical and operational standards, prioritising smaller and safer UAS for unrestricted operations.
These new FAA rules, following the 107 part, allow drones weighing under 0.55 lbs to fly over people without a waiver, given they have no exposed hazardous parts. On the other hand, drones that weigh more than 0.88 lbs but operate over people require a waiver, belonging to a category facilitating integrated drone technology in the national airspace.
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