Definition of Unmanned Aircraft (UA)

In plain language

A drone or unmanned aircraft is legally defined as any aircraft that is flown without a pilot onboard to directly control it.

Requirement as structured

Defines an unmanned aircraft (UA) or drone as an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.

Original regulatory text

UA (sometimes referred to as “drones”) are aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Refer to 49 U.S.C. § 44801.

Applies when

country

United States

regulatory category

Open