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Category 3 and open-air assemblies

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 10 of 19 on Regulations / Operations Over People. ACS element UA.I.E.K3d · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA remote pilot in command is using a small unmanned aircraft that is eligible and labeled for Category 3 only. A crowd has gathered in an open field for a concert. Under § 107.125, may the pilot fly over the crowd?

  1. AYes, if the aircraft meets the remote identification requirements of part 89
  2. BYes, if the aircraft does not maintain sustained flight over any person in the crowd
  3. CNo; Category 3 operations over open-air assemblies of human beings are prohibited
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. No; Category 3 operations over open-air assemblies of human beings are prohibited

  • A — incorrect The remote identification condition for open-air assemblies applies to Categories 1, 2 and 4; Category 3 has an outright prohibition.
  • B — incorrect The no-sustained-flight condition in § 107.125(c)(2) applies to operations over individual human beings; it does not lift the separate prohibition on flying over open-air assemblies.
  • C — correct § 107.125(b) states that a remote pilot in command conducting Category 3 operations must not operate the small unmanned aircraft over open-air assemblies of human beings, with no exception.

BACKGROUND

Category 3 permits heavier aircraft than Category 2 (an injury threshold of 25 foot-pounds instead of 11) but imposes stricter operating limits. Under § 107.125, the remote pilot in command must use an aircraft eligible under § 107.130(a), listed on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance, and labeled for Category 3. The pilot must not operate over open-air assemblies of human beings at all. Over other human beings, the pilot may operate only within or over a closed- or restricted-access site where everyone is on notice, or if the aircraft does not maintain sustained flight over anyone who is not a direct participant or sheltered under a covered structure or in a stationary vehicle.

STUDY TIP

Contrast the categories: Categories 1, 2 and 4 allow sustained flight over open-air assemblies only with remote identification, while Category 3 prohibits it entirely.

KEY POINTS

  • Category 3 operations must not be conducted over open-air assemblies of human beings.
  • Over other people, Category 3 requires a closed- or restricted-access site with notice, or no sustained flight over non-participants.
  • Category 3 aircraft must be eligible, listed on a declaration of compliance, and labeled.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.125(b)
  • 14 CFR 107.125(c)
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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.