Category 3 operations: Operating requirements

This regulation sets the rules for flying Category 3 drones (those weighing more than 0.55 pounds but meeting certain safety standards) over people.

To conduct Category 3 operations, you must use a drone that's been declared compliant with Category 3 standards, listed on an FAA-accepted declaration, and properly labeled. You cannot fly over open-air assemblies (crowds), but you may fly over individual people in two situations:

• Within closed or restricted-access sites where everyone present has been notified that drones may fly overhead, or
• Over people only transiently (no sustained flight), except you can maintain sustained flight over people directly participating in the operation or those protected under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle.

This creates a middle tier between Category 2 and 4, allowing limited operations over people with appropriate aircraft and safety measures.

*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.*