Part 107 Operations Over People: Categories 1 to 4
Updated October 27, 2026
Flying over people is one of the most-tested Part 107 topics, because the rules changed in 2021. Under § 107.39 you may fly over a person only if they are directly taking part in the operation, are under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle, or your flight meets one of four categories. Here’s how the categories work, followed by free practice questions.
The four categories
| Category | Drone requirements |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Weighs 0.55 pounds or less including everything on board, with no exposed rotating parts that would cut skin |
| Category 2 | Would not cause injury equal to a rigid object transferring 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, no exposed rotating parts that would cut skin, no safety defects, and listed on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance |
| Category 3 | The same, but up to 25 foot-pounds, plus extra operating limits |
| Category 4 | Has an airworthiness certificate and is flown under its operating limitations |
Category 3’s extra limits
Category 3 drones may not fly over open-air assemblies of people. They may fly over people only within or over a closed- or restricted-access site where everyone has been told a drone may fly over them, or if they don’t sustain flight over anyone who isn’t taking part in the operation or under cover.
Sustained flight over crowds
In Categories 1, 2 and 3, sustained flight over open-air assemblies (crowds) is allowed only if the drone meets the Remote ID requirements. Category 3 can’t fly over open-air assemblies at all.
Moving vehicles
Flying over people inside moving vehicles has its own rule (§ 107.145): broadly, Category 1, 2 or 3 operations must happen within or over a closed- or restricted-access site with everyone inside on notice, or the drone may not maintain sustained flight over the moving vehicles.
Free practice questions
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What is the maximum weight of a Category 1 drone, including everything on board?Answer: AA Category 1 drone must weigh 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff and throughout the flight, including everything on board, and have no exposed rotating parts that would cut skin.
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Category 2 drones must not cause injury equal to a transfer of how much kinetic energy from a rigid object?Answer: BCategory 2 uses an 11 foot-pound injury threshold. Category 3 uses 25 foot-pounds.
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Which category requires the drone to have an airworthiness certificate?Answer: DCategory 4 drones must have an airworthiness certificate and fly within its operating limitations.
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A Category 3 drone may NOT be flown:Answer: CCategory 3 operations may never be flown over open-air assemblies of people.
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Without meeting any category, over whom may a Part 107 drone still be flown?Answer: BSection 107.39 allows flight over people who are directly participating, or who are protected under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle.
Related: Part 107 rules summary and night operations.
Pass the FAA Part 107 drone test on your first try
- All 308 questions across regulations, airspace, weather, loading and operations
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