Can drone pilots legally fly over people under Part 107 without a waiver and what does Category 3 approval actually change?
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove welcomes back Benton Szejk from Wingtra to break down the current state of operations over people in 2025. They cover what’s allowed under Part 107 today, how Category 3 works, and why Wingtra’s fully integrated parachute system is a major milestone for professional drone operations.
The conversation also dives into Wingtra’s latest payload announcements, including ultra-high-resolution inspection capabilities, real-world use cases like airport runway inspections, pavement crack detection, and how AI-ready data is transforming surveying and infrastructure workflows.
Topics covered include:
- What Category 3 operations over people really mean
- How Wingtra achieved waiver-free approval under Part 107
- Practical use cases in urban, infrastructure, and public-asset mapping
- New Wingtra payloads and inspection workflows
- Where drone regulations may be heading next
Learn how these advancements impact mapping, surveying, and inspection professionals working in complex, populated environments.
Have a drone question for a future episode? Submit it at ydqa.io.
What is Your Drone Questions. Answered.?
Have a drone question? We'll answer it. Welcome to "Your Drone Questions. Answered.", the podcast where we bring you the answers to your burning drone-related questions! Each episode, we take questions submitted by our audience and find industry experts to provide insightful and informative answers. Our interviews with these experts are typically 10-15 minutes long, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. From flying techniques and gear to regulations and industry news, we cover it all. Whether you're a drone hobbyist, a professional, or just curious about the world of drones, "Your Drone Questions. Answered." is the podcast for you. So, send in your questions and join us as we explore the exciting world of drones!