Lesson 53

Flight Over and From Moving Vehicles

In this section, we will explore critical aspects of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), including the importance of maintaining proper balance around the Center of Gravity, understanding load factors to prevent exceeding the structural limitations of the sUAS during flight can result in a loss of control.

Flight over Moving Vehicles
Flight over Boats
Flight over Bike Riders

Part 1:

Flying *Over* Moving Vehicles

UA Flight Over Moving Vehicles

In Part 107 regulations, moving vehicles include cars, trucks, motorcycles, bikes and watercraft.

These restrictions are in place to avoid the dangers of a drone crashing into a moving vehicle or distracting the driver, causing them to crash.

To fly over moving vehicles that are not located within a closed or restricted site*, adhere to the following rules:

Transitional vs. Sustained Flight

When flying over moving vehicles, flight must be a transitional, brief, quick pass.

Your flight has to be a quick pass-through, not a hover or extended flight.

* Closed/Restricted Site Exception: If the moving vehicle is within a closed or restricted site where everyone is aware of the operation (e.g., a private or controlled area with proper permissions), different rules may apply. However, if this is not the case, the transient flight rule applies.

Over Busy Highways

Transiting Across: YES

You may cross over a busy highway to move quickly from Point A to Point B as long as the transit is brief. You cannot hover over the highway.

Sustained Flight: No

Sustained flight is not allowed over moving vehicles.

Over Boats in Sparsely Populated Lake

You are standing on the edge of a lake, flying your UA over the water where there are several boats. Is this allowed? Yes

  • The operation is allowed as long as your sUAS doesn’t hover over the boats. The time over the boats must be transient.
  • If the area is sparselly populated, as may be the case at a lake, the risks are minimized, so this aligns with the regulations.

Over a Moving Bicycle Rider

Your friend is participating in a bike race and has asked you to film them. Is this allowed? No

  • Bikes are categorized as moving vehicles under Part 107 regulations.

  • The regulations for flying over moving vehicles, including bikes, are strict. You cannot conduct sustained flight over moving bikes as it compromises the safety of the rider and the other participants.

    Note: Even if your friend were biking by themselves, you would still not be allowed to fly over them for anything more than a brief, transient time.

Part 2:

Flying *From* Moving Vehicles

Overview:

No person may operate a UA from a moving land / water borne vehicle unless:

  • the UA is flown over a sparsely populated area
    AND
  • the UA is not transporting another person’s property for compensation or hire.

From Moving Vehicles In Rural/Remote Areas

You are legally allowed operate your UA from moving vehicles in rural, sparsely populated, remote areas.

These locations generally have fewer people and structures, which helps to minimize the risk of harm to individuals and property on the ground.

From Moving Vehicles While Transporting Property

No Compensation – Permitted:
You may operate your sUAS from a moving vehicle when no property is carried for compensation of hire over a sparsely populated area.

No Compensation – Not Permitted:
If you are operating your sUAS from a moving vehicle while carrying property for compensation or hire, you cannot do so over a sparsely populated area under Part 107 regulations.

Quick Review

  • Location: The operation must take place in a rural or remote area where there are fewer people and structures.
  • Cargo: The UA cannot be used to transport property for compensation or hire.
  • Safety: The operation must be conducted in a manner that minimizes risk to people and property on the ground.

Practice Quiz

question 8, if the boat is moving but no one else is on board, wouldn’t it be unsafe to also operate a drone?

Flying Over Moving Vehicles

1 / 10

What type of flight is permitted when flying over moving vehicles?

2 / 10

What should you avoid when flying over moving vehicles?

3 / 10

When are different rules applicable for flying over moving vehicles?

4 / 10

Why is following moving boats from another moving boat considered a permissible operation?

5 / 10

Why is flying over a bike rider not allowed under Part 107 regulations?

6 / 10

Under what conditions might you be allowed to fly over moving bikes?

7 / 10

Under what conditions does Part 107 allow the operation of a small UA from a moving vehicle, provided no cargo is being transported for payment?

8 / 10

Is the sUAS operation from a moving boat for environmental research compliant with 14 CFR Part 107, given that no additional crewmember is present?

9 / 10

Can you legally operate your Category 1 sUAS to hover and record video of your friend riding a bike while you're on a crowded sidewalk in a busy park, if you're a current Remote PIC?

10 / 10

While conducting a drone flight for an aerial survey, you need to pass over a busy road to capture necessary footage. Is this permitted?

Your score is

The average score is 95%

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