FAA Approves First Category 2 Drone for Flight Over People

AVSS announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the first Category 2 drone for operations over people. This landmark decision allows commercial operators of the DJI Dock 2 equipped with the AVSS drone parachute to fly over people without submitting an FAA 107.39 flight over people waiver.

Breaking New Ground in Drone Operations

The FAA’s approval of the AVSS PRS-M3DT, a drone parachute for the DJI Dock 2, marks a significant milestone in commercial drone operations. This Declaration of Compliance (DOC) covers both Category 2 and Category 3 operations, with the latter including higher wind limitations for the DJI Dock 2.

Mariah Murray, V.P. of Operations of AVSS, stated:

“After several years of working to receive approval for the MOC with key partners and the recent completion of ASTM F3322 and ASTM F3389 for the DJI Dock 2, these Category 2 and Category 3 Declaration of Compliance approvals by the FAA is a major milestone for AVSS.”

Expanding Operational Capabilities

The new approval enables drone operators to conduct more flexible operations:

• Category 2: Allows sustained flight over open-air gatherings
• Category 3: Permits operations over closed- or restricted-access areas with proper notification

These categories apply to drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds without an airworthiness certificate under part 21.

Future Developments

AVSS is not stopping with the DJI Dock 2. Murray added, “AVSS looks forward to bringing more drones to the DOC approval list, including the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, Skydio X10, and Brinc Responder.”

DroneXL’s Take

This FAA approval for the AVSS PRS-M3DT parachute system is a game-changer for the Drone Industry. It paves the way for more widespread adoption of drones in various commercial applications, particularly in urban environments where operations over people are often necessary.

The ability to fly over people without waivers will significantly streamline operations for many Drone Service Providers, potentially leading to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness in industries such as infrastructure inspection, event coverage, and emergency response.

As we’ve seen with recent developments in night operations and BVLOS flights, the FAA continues to adapt regulations to keep pace with advancing Drone Technology. This approval for Category 2 operations over people is another step towards integrating drones more fully into our airspace, while maintaining a focus on safety.

As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovations in drone safety systems and further regulatory adjustments to accommodate the growing capabilities of unmanned aircraft.

Photos courtesy of Billy Kyle and AVSS.