When is it permitted to operate a UAS over people?

Operating a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) over people is subject to strict regulations due to safety concerns. The correct answer is that it is permitted when under a waiver from the FAA.

Specifically, the FAA has established regulations that generally prohibit flying UAS over people unless certain criteria are met. These criteria can be outlined in the rules, but for operations not meeting those criteria, an operator can apply for a waiver. If the waiver is granted, it allows the operator to conduct UAS operations over people while demonstrating that they can perform the operation safely. This ensures that even when flying over people, adequate safety measures are in place to mitigate potential risks.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not provide the necessary regulatory approval to operate safely over people. For example, a UAS weighing less than 5 pounds does not, on its own, qualify for over-people operations without adherence to other rules. Similarly, flying at night introduces additional risks and requires specific authorizations regardless of whether the UAS is over people. Lastly, equipping a UAS with a parachute does provide some degree of safety in the event of a failure, but it does not inherently allow for operation over people without a waiver. Only