Means of compliance

This regulation explains how drone operators prove their aircraft meets safety requirements for Category 2 or Category 3 operations (flying over people). You must demonstrate compliance through testing, analysis, or inspection of your drone.

To get FAA acceptance, you submit detailed procedures showing exactly how you tested or analyzed your aircraft, including the conditions and methods used. You must also explain how your results prove the drone meets the specific safety requirements for your intended category.

The FAA reviews your submission and notifies you if it accepts your means of compliance. However, this acceptance isn't permanent—the FAA continuously reviews accepted methods and can rescind approval if a method no longer meets requirements. Any rescission is published in the Federal Register.

This process allows manufacturers and operators to demonstrate compliance without necessarily using a pre-approved method, providing flexibility while maintaining safety standards.

*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.*