Neo 2: Notes, observations, surprises as I test and learn

[MS Coast]

If you have a Part 107 certificate and add a RID module and the prop guards, the Neo and Neo 2 are Category 1 drones,

Has the Category 1 qualification for the Neos had any official confirmation?

 

[jaja6009]

Category 1 is self certifying.

The regulation:

A remote pilot in command must use a small unmanned aircraft that—

(1) Weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff and throughout the duration of each operation under Category 1, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft; and
(2) Does not contain any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being.

(b) No remote pilot in command may operate a small unmanned aircraft in sustained flight over open-air assemblies of human beings unless the operation meets the requirements of either § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) of this chapter.


Also, there is no labeling requirement.

 

[MS Coast]

Category 1 is self certifying.

The regulation:

A remote pilot in command must use a small unmanned aircraft that—

(1) Weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff and throughout the duration of each operation under Category 1, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft; and
(2) Does not contain any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being.

(b) No remote pilot in command may operate a small unmanned aircraft in sustained flight over open-air assemblies of human beings unless the operation meets the requirements of either § 89.110 or § 89.115(a) of this chapter.


Also, there is no labeling requirement.

Yes, but does anyone know of any authoritative or semi-authoritative source that says the Neos meet the requirement? FAA memo or email, Pilot Institute, ... ?

 

[jaja6009]

You cannot get more authoritative than the regulation quoted above.
But Pilot Institute has a video:

Also you must be Part 107 to exercise this and don't forget to charge and secure your Remote ID module.

 

[MS Coast]

OK, one simple answer to the question I posed about substantiation of the the Neo models being Category 1 is that the Pilot Institute says it is if there's a RID module installed.

So, if I fly under Part 107 and have an RID module on the Neo 2, I'll feel comfortable citing that to any LEO or other official who challenges me for flying over people. It's not my own interpretation of the regs, but that of the most significant drone pilot training group in the country.

 

[RcHawks]

They are very good!

 

[jaja6009]

OK, one simple answer to the question I posed about substantiation of the the Neo models being Category 1 is that the Pilot Institute says it is if there's a RID module installed.

So, if I fly under Part 107 and have an RID module on the Neo 2, I'll feel comfortable citing that to any LEO or other official who challenges me for flying over people. It's not my own interpretation of the regs, but that of the most significant drone pilot training group in the country.

Yes, you must have Remote ID, and the top propguards.

Most normal patrolmen will more than likely not know drone regulations, but at the end of the day, you will be legal and compliant.

I do see where you are coming from in terms of having something more than quoting regulations that they will not know and then pointing to something more substantial and easy to understand.

If it makes you feel any better, I have the AVSS PRS for a Matrice 4 series. It makes the drone a Category 2. The label on the PRS is nothing more than a generic, cheap strip label that says "FAA CAT 2". It absolutely looks like I made the sticker. I carry a printed version of the DOC along with my other paperwork though.