If I’m flying my drone and pass over people who aren’t involved with the operation and are just walking in public, and I’m using my Mini 4 Pro with a battery that’s over 250g, am I allowed to fly over them? Also, if I need prop guards, does that change anything for flying over people? Just want to make sure I’m following the laws, especially if someone complains. (This is in the USA)
According to https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people, as long as the drone is in category 2 (meaning it weighs between 0.55lbs and 55lbs) and has no exposed rotating parts that could hurt people (prop guards are fine), and the impact energy is under 11 foot-pounds, then you can fly over people and crowds.
No, you need either a categorized drone or a waiver. If you’re 107 certified, the waiver is easier to get, especially if the drone weighs under 400g. This applies to the M4P, as long as it has prop guards and a strobe light.
eta: replying in the right place now.
@Keaton
Does this apply to the Avata 2?
Riley said:
@Keaton
Does this apply to the Avata 2?
The Avata 2 falls into a higher weight category. It’s just under 399g, but with the strobe, it pushes it into the next category. You’d need a waiver for that too, but you’d also need an ASTM-certified parachute system, which the Avata may not be able to lift.
Here’s a good explanation: https://pilotinstitute.com/operations-over-people-changes/
If you had a Mavic 3E, it’s categorized as a cat 2 drone when equipped with the parachute (it stops the props when deployed), so no waiver is required.
@Keaton
Another reason to fly recreationally under 250g. Granted, I can’t fly over a concert, but I can fly over roads and people, as long as I’m not hovering over them.
Which country are you flying in?
Zen said:
Which country are you flying in?
USA
Zen said:
Which country are you flying in?
USA
FAA: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people
@Zen
According to https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people, as long as the drone is category 2 (meaning between 0.55lbs and 55lbs), has no exposed rotating parts that could slash people (prop guards work), and the impact energy is under 11 foot-pounds, you can fly over crowds and people.
@Charlie
11 foot-pounds of impact energy isn’t much. A drone weighing 250g flying at 40km/h would score above 3000.
Morgan said:
@Charlie
11 foot-pounds of impact energy isn’t much. A drone weighing 250g flying at 40km/h would score above 3000.
What about the Avata 2?
Morgan said:
@Charlie
11 foot-pounds of impact energy isn’t much. A drone weighing 250g flying at 40km/h would score above 3000.
What about the Avata 2?
You can use an online calculator, but the Avata 2 wouldn’t fall below 3000. This rule is mainly for toy drones that aren’t very heavy or fast.
@Charlie
Assuming this is a recreational flight, you’re good, but technically you still need to register your drone and get a TRUST certificate.
Zen said:
@Charlie
Assuming this is a recreational flight, you’re good, but technically you still need to register your drone and get a TRUST certificate.
You’re not allowed to fly over people recreationally, according to the FAA. This is incorrect info. The link OP references is for part 107 certified pilots only.
@Charlie
These rules are for part 107 licensed drone operators. You cannot fly over people when flying recreationally.
Lyle said:
@Charlie
These rules are for part 107 licensed drone operators. You cannot fly over people when flying recreationally.
But you can fly over people briefly under recreational sub 250g rules, as long as you don’t hover over them.
@Valen
That wouldn’t be considered sustained flight.
No.
Legal? No. Will the FAA come knocking if you fly over some people? Probably not.
Just don’t damage property or hurt anyone, and you should be fine.