Part 107, explained · Last reviewed October 25, 2026 against the eCFR and faa.gov. UAV Campus is not affiliated with the FAA.
What are the four categories of operations over people under Part 107?
Category 1 uses an aircraft of 0.55 pounds or less with no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate skin. Categories 2 and 3 need an aircraft with an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance and a label. Category 4 needs an aircraft with an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.105 · 14 CFR 107.100
What the regulation says
§ 107.100 Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the eligibility and operating requirements for civil small unmanned aircraft to operate over human beings or over moving vehicles in the United States, in addition to those operations permitted by § 107.39(a) and (b).
§ 107.105 Limitations on operations over human beings.
Except as provided in §§ 107.39(a) and (b) and 107.145, a remote pilot in command may conduct operations over human beings only in accordance with the following, as applicable: § 107.110 for Category 1 operations; §§ 107.115 and 107.120 for Category 2 operations; §§ 107.125 and 107.130 for Category 3 operations; or § 107.140 for Category 4 operations.
AC 107-2A, 8.2 Category of Operations
Part 107 establishes four categories of permissible operations over people. Category 1 is limited to a maximum weight of 0.55 pounds, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft at the time of takeoff and throughout the duration of each operation.
Sources: 14 CFR 107.100 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · 14 CFR 107.105 (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-21) · AC 107-2A, 8.2 Category of Operations
Exam traps
- Subpart D applies to operations over human beings or over moving vehicles, in addition to those permitted by 107.39(a) and (b).
- Each category has its own sections: 107.110 for Category 1, 107.115 and 107.120 for Category 2, 107.125 and 107.130 for Category 3, 107.140 for Category 4.
- Category 3 may not be operated over open-air assemblies of human beings.
- Categories 1, 2 and 4 may not sustain flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets 89.110 or 89.115(a).
Try it: practice questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions.
Practice question 1
What is the key operating difference between Category 2 and Category 3 operations over people?
- A Category 2 requires a Part 21 airworthiness certificate while Category 3 needs only a label.
- B Category 3 may fly over people only within a closed- or restricted-access site with everyone on notice, or without sustained flight over non-participants; Category 2 has no such site or sustained-flight limit.
- C Category 3 aircraft may weigh up to 55 lb while Category 2 must weigh 0.55 lb or less.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Category 3 may fly over people only within a closed- or restricted-access site with everyone on notice, or without sustained flight over non-participants; Category 2 has no such site or sustained-flight limit.14 CFR 107.125(c) limits Category 3 to closed/restricted-access sites with everyone on notice, or no sustained flight over people who are not participating or protected. Category 2 (107.115) has no such limit. Neither may fly sustained over open-air assemblies without Remote ID, and Category 3 never may (107.125(b)).
FAA sources: 14 CFR 107.115 · 14 CFR 107.125 · AC 107-2A 8.3.6.6-8.3.6.7
Practice question 2
To conduct Category 1 operations, a Remote Pilot in Command must use a small unmanned aircraft that weighs
- A 0.55 pounds or less.
- B 0.75 pounds or less.
- C 0.65 pounds or less.
Show the answer
Answer: A. 0.55 pounds or less.(Category 1 drones can only weigh 0.55 lbs (250 grams) or less, with everything included (including prop guards).)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.110(a)(1)
Practice question 3
To conduct Category 4 operations, the RPIC must use a small UA that:
- A does not contain any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skins upon impact.
- B has an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21.
- C is labeled as Category 4.
Show the answer
Answer: B. has an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21.(To conduct Category 4 operations, the RPIC must use a small UA that: has an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21, be operated in accordance with the operating limitations, have maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations, and inspections There are no requirements for rotating parts or labeling for Category 4.)
FAA source: 14 CFR 107.140(b)(1)
Can you fly over people with any drone under Part 107?
No. Besides the cases in 107.39(a) and (b), a remote pilot in command may operate over human beings only under the rules for Category 1, 2, 3 or 4 in subpart D.
Source: 14 CFR 107.105
What does AC 107-2A say the four categories are based on?
Category 1 is limited by weight and exposed rotating parts. Categories 2 and 3 use performance-based safety requirements that limit the risk and severity of injuries. Category 4 depends on a part 21 airworthiness certificate.
Source: AC 107-2A, 8.2