Definition of 'Over' for Operations Over Human Beings

In plain language

When flying under Part 107, you are considered to be operating 'over' a person if your drone flies directly above any part of their body—such as their head, shoulders, extended arms, legs, or even toes if they are lying down—even if the flight over them is only momentary.

Requirement as structured

The FAA defines 'over' as the flight of a small unmanned aircraft directly over any part of a person's body (including limbs, torso, or toes), regardless of the duration of the flight.

Original regulatory text

“Over” refers to the flight of the small unmanned aircraft directly over any part of a person. For example, a small UAS that hovers directly over a person's head, shoulders, or extended arms or legs would be an operation over people. Similarly, if a person is lying down, for example at a beach, an operation over that person's torso or toes would also constitute an operation over people. A flight where a small UAS flies over any part of any person, regardless of how long the flight is over the person, would be considered an operation over people.

Applies when

country

United States

operation

Part 107

operation regime

part_107

aircraft category

small unmanned aircraft (under 55 lb)

regulatory category

General