This is for all of you FAA 107 pilots or people you know the 107 rules.

Yesterday I was approached by a potential client who wanted drone footage/video of a fashion event we was doing. The first question that came to mind is the whole "flying over people" which most of you know is a big "no no" with the FAA and would either require a waiver or informed consent by all participating and a closed set (my understanding).

Anyway, here is my question. During my training it was made clear to me that the FAA is only concerned about outside airspace and that indoor airspace is not regulated by the FAA. If that is true, does the not flying over people apply when flying indoors?

Now before everyone jumps on me, I know that the flying over people is a safety thing and at the very least I would be safe and have insurance for that flight as well as probably rotor guards.

The FAA doesn't care what goes on behind closed doors (as long as there's a roof).  But you still have to make sure you don't fly in an unsafe manner.

Labroides Posted at 1-8 04:27
The FAA doesn't care what goes on behind closed doors (as long as there's a roof).  But you still have to make sure you don't fly in an unsafe manner.

Thanks. That is what I heard...and yeah...for me, flying safe and being safe is a given.

Another question: as an FAA 107 you have to report any incidents that happen during your flight if it fits the FAA criteria for reporting (like you crashed the drone and did damage). Is this also void in an indoor setting?

KennyB Posted at 1-8 04:36
Thanks. That is what I heard...and yeah...for me, flying safe and being safe is a given.

Another question: as an FAA 107 you have to report any incidents that happen during your flight if it fits the FAA criteria for reporting (like you crashed the drone and did damage). Is this also void in an indoor setting?

I think post #2 covers everything.  

I like the idea of prop guards.  You have liability insurance, right?  

I would do a dry run before the people arrive.  

Good luck.

Mark The Droner Posted at 1-8 05:05
I think post #2 covers everything.  

I like the idea of prop guards.  You have liability insurance, right?  

Yeah I have liability insurance. I don't generally use prop guards but inside I understand GPS doesn't work so prop guards are a good fail safe.

KennyB Posted at 1-8 04:36
Thanks. That is what I heard...and yeah...for me, flying safe and being safe is a given.

Another question: as an FAA 107 you have to report any incidents that happen during your flight if it fits the FAA criteria for reporting (like you crashed the drone and did damage). Is this also void in an indoor setting?

I don't know the answer to that question, but I would report such an incident. Side question: Is it practical for the group you may be flying over to sign any kind of waiver or at least be notified ahead of time? We do a combination of this for people working on construction sites that I fly over.

Michael Kemper Posted at 1-8 05:17
I don't know the answer to that question, but I would report such an incident. Side question: Is it practical for the group you may be flying over to sign any kind of waiver or at least be notified ahead of time? We do a combination of this for people working on construction sites that I fly over.

Yeah I would say it is for sure "reasonable".

You might want to review your insurance policy.  There may be exclusions

hope you have good insurance, like 100M or more, the lawsuits would be insane if you crashed into the people below.
imho flying over people in any situation is not a good idea, boarders on complete irresponsibility as a safe 107 pilot even indoors, but that's me.
honestly with the tech being so unreliable it's not worth it. so much interference indoors. Hope your confidence level to fly in atti is sharp, how many years have you flown in atti mode?
I'm 107 and I also fly racing drones, flying atti drones since 2010, and completely confident in my skills, and still I would never think of doing what you purpose. no fn way.

is this why you want that goofy parachute accessory and your fly over people waiver, kinda see a pattern developing with your posts, trying to see your logic here...

Anokadrone Posted at 1-8 09:52
You might want to review your insurance policy.  There may be exclusions

I will thank you. I like your Borg avatar.

Tree Posted at 1-8 10:48
hope you have good insurance, like 100M or more, the lawsuits would be insane if you crashed into the people below.
imho flying over people in any situation is not a good idea, boarders on complete irresponsibility as a safe 107 pilot even indoors, but that's me.
honestly with the tech being so unreliable it's not worth it. so much interference indoors. Hope your confidence level to fly in atti is sharp, how many years have you flown in atti mode?

I hadn't agreed to take the project yet...there is still some contention regarding budget and payment. I have considered not taking it anyway...the whole risk vs reward. They would have to pay me a lot and I am sure that they won't. Time will tell.

No the parachute things would be for outdoor events and stuff like that. I shoot a lot of corporate/commercial work and it would be in support of that...in my opinion flying over people is dangerous...generally speaking flying over people indoors is borderline stupid.

I am also a bit of a research junkie.

KennyB Posted at 1-8 04:36
Thanks. That is what I heard...and yeah...for me, flying safe and being safe is a given.

Another question: as an FAA 107 you have to report any incidents that happen during your flight if it fits the FAA criteria for reporting (like you crashed the drone and did damage). Is this also void in an indoor setting?

I doubt that the FAA would be at all interested in any incidents you have during a flight, unless people are hurt or serious damage or disruption  is caused.

They definitely don't care if you clip a tree.

Labroides Posted at 1-8 15:26
I doubt that the FAA would be at all interested in any incidents you have during a flight, unless people are hurt or serious damage or disruption  is caused.

They definitely don't care if you clip a tree.

Yeah I agree. I don't plan to have any such incidents EVER...actually actively avoiding any such incident.

I would have to agree with Tree.  With reliability of the equipment that is not great, (barely good) to intentionally fly over people and put them at risk would not be a good decision.  I would look elsewhere for work. I seriously doubt that you could get an approval from the underwriter to do that.   I could be wrong.....

Anokadrone Posted at 1-9 04:49
I would have to agree with Tree.  With reliability of the equipment that is not great, (barely good) to intentionally fly over people and put them at risk would not be a good decision.  I would look elsewhere for work. I seriously doubt that you could get an approval from the underwriter to do that.   I could be wrong.....

Thanks. As I mentioned in an earlier post. Probably not taking the project.