Category 2 operations: Operating requirements

To fly a drone in Category 2 operations (over people with certain restrictions), you must meet three aircraft requirements and one operational requirement.

Your drone must be:

• Eligible for Category 2 under the means of compliance rules (§107.120(a))
• Listed on an FAA-accepted declaration of compliance for Category 2 operations
• Properly labeled showing it's approved for Category 2

Additionally, if you're flying in sustained flight over open-air assemblies of people (like crowds or gatherings), your operation must comply with remote identification requirements—either broadcasting remote ID directly from the aircraft or operating from an FAA-recognized identification area.

In practice, this means you can't simply decide your drone is safe enough for Category 2. The aircraft must go through a formal compliance process, be documented with the FAA, and carry appropriate labeling. The remote ID requirement adds another layer when flying over assembled groups.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*