Flying over "participants"

[y2khardtop]

US UAS rules say no flying over people that aren't "directly participating in the operation"

Does anyone know if you are specifically limited to those participating in FLYING the mission, or if the operation can be expanded to people who knowingly and willingly want to be part of the operation.

This may seem unusual, but I often attend private events where every single person is part of the event, and has to sign a waiver. If being part of a UAS operation was actually part of the event, it seems like this is something that they could knowingly opt into.

The FAA may strictly mean those participating as pilot or safety officer, but I haven't seen it spelled out that specifically.

Thanks

 

[BigAl07]

That would be only the people that are responsible for safe operation of the aircraft:

Pilot
Safety Officer
Visual Observer etc etc

A signed waiver does nothing for FARs.

 

[y2khardtop]

a few hundred "safety officers"........

thanks for your reply