A real estate photographer's drone weighs 248 grams including battery and SD card. They plan to fly over guests gathered in a home's driveway during an open house. What Operations Over People category applies, and what must the pilot verify?
Why →
Under 14 CFR § 107.110, Category 1 permits flight over people for drones weighing 0.55 lbs (250g) or less with no exposed rotating parts that could lacerate skin. At 248 grams, this aircraft qualifies by weight. The pilot must confirm no exposed prop edges could injure someone below. No FAA Declaration of Compliance is required for Category 1.The trap →
Category 2 requires an FAA Declaration of Compliance from the manufacturer. Weight alone does not qualify. The 250g threshold is a hard ceiling: even 1 gram over requires full Category 2/3/4 evaluation. Always weigh with all accessories attached.SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.110, Category 1 OperationsCHECKED APR 21ACS I.B.K2MED