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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-unapproved-modification

You make a modification to a Category 2 drone that its operating instructions don't allow. What happens?

It loses eligibility for operations over people until a new DOC is accepted.

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  1. It becomes ineligible for flight over people ✔
  2. Nothing, if it still flies well
  3. It automatically moves to Category 1

Why: A change not allowed by the remote pilot operating instructions makes a Category 2 or 3 drone ineligible. Whoever modified it would have to act as an applicant and submit a new declaration of compliance.

Huh, didn't know that: Remote pilot operating instructions should list the modifications that keep the drone eligible.

The dad joke
Why did the drone stay the same? It didn't want to lose its category over a little upgrade.
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References

Answer: It becomes ineligible for flight over people. A change not allowed by the remote pilot operating instructions makes a Category 2 or 3 drone ineligible. Whoever modified it would have to act as an applicant and submit a new declaration of compliance.

  1. AC 107-2A, 8.4.4 www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_107-2A.pdf
    not permissible by the remote pilot operating instructions to a small unmanned aircraft eligible for Category 2 or Category 3 operations over people renders that small unmanned aircraft ineligible.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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