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Category 1 weight limit with attached payload

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 8 of 19 on Regulations / Operations Over People. ACS element UA.I.E.K3b · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA small unmanned aircraft weighs 0.50 pound with nothing attached. Before a flight over people, the remote pilot attaches a 0.08-pound camera. Under § 107.110, may this aircraft be used for Category 1 operations?

  1. AYes, because only the aircraft's empty weight of 0.50 pound counts toward the 0.55-pound limit
  2. BNo, because the takeoff weight with everything attached is 0.58 pound, over the 0.55-pound limit
  3. CYes, provided the camera has no exposed rotating parts and the aircraft is listed on a declaration of compliance
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. No, because the takeoff weight with everything attached is 0.58 pound, over the 0.55-pound limit

  • A — incorrect The 0.55-pound limit expressly includes everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft, so the camera counts.
  • B — correct § 107.110(a)(1) requires the aircraft to weigh 0.55 pound or less on takeoff and throughout the operation, including everything on board or attached. With the camera the aircraft weighs 0.50 + 0.08 = 0.58 pound, which exceeds the limit.
  • C — incorrect Category 1 does not use a declaration of compliance, and the absence of exposed rotating parts does not cure a weight above 0.55 pound.

BACKGROUND

Category 1 is the only category of operations over human beings that requires no declaration of compliance (DoC) or airworthiness certificate. Under § 107.110(a), the remote pilot in command must use a small unmanned aircraft that weighs 0.55 pound or less on takeoff and throughout the operation, including everything on board or otherwise attached, and that does not contain any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact. Payloads such as cameras therefore count toward the limit. § 107.110(b) also prohibits sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets the remote identification requirements of § 89.110 or § 89.115(a).

STUDY TIP

When a scenario gives an empty weight and a payload, add them together before comparing to 0.55 pound; the limit applies to the aircraft as flown.

KEY POINTS

  • Category 1 aircraft must weigh 0.55 pound or less on takeoff and throughout the operation.
  • Everything on board or attached, including cameras, counts toward the limit.
  • Category 1 aircraft must also have no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate skin.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.110(a)
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MORE ON REGULATIONS / OPERATIONS OVER PEOPLE

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.