Category 4 operations
Read the official ruleCategory 4 operations allow drones to fly over people under the most stringent requirements. The drone must have an FAA airworthiness certificate (like manned aircraft) and be operated according to its approved Flight Manual, which must permit operations over people.
The remote pilot must follow all operating limitations and comply with remote identification requirements when flying over open-air assemblies.
Maintenance is highly regulated: only qualified persons using approved methods and quality parts may perform work. The owner (or operator, if agreed) must maintain detailed records of all maintenance, inspections, life-limited parts status, and airworthiness directive compliance. Most maintenance records must be kept for one year, while records of life-limited parts and airworthiness directives stay with the aircraft permanently.
Alternatively, compliance with Parts 43 and 91 Subpart E (standard aircraft maintenance regulations) satisfies these requirements. This category essentially treats the drone like a small manned aircraft.
*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.*