In reading the material on the FAAs web site regarding waivers, it seems like there might be some allowance for an sUAS to be flown over people (momentarily) and not need a waiver. Guidance is provided that defines what "over people" means. Here is what it says:
"The term "over" refers to the flight of the small unmanned aircraft directly over any part of a person. For example, a small UAS that hovers directly over a person's head, shoulders, or extended arms or legs would be an operation over people. Similarly, if a person is lying down, for example at a beach, an operation over that person's torso or toes would also constitute an operation over people. An operation during which a small UAS flies over any part of any person, regardless of the dwell time, if any, over the person, would be an operation over people".
The wording of "regardless of dwell time, if any" is interesting. Could it be interpreted that if there is no "dwell time" (the aircraft never hovers and is basically just transiting from one spot to another) that the momentary flight overhead might be permissible?
"The term "over" refers to the flight of the small unmanned aircraft directly over any part of a person. For example, a small UAS that hovers directly over a person's head, shoulders, or extended arms or legs would be an operation over people. Similarly, if a person is lying down, for example at a beach, an operation over that person's torso or toes would also constitute an operation over people. An operation during which a small UAS flies over any part of any person, regardless of the dwell time, if any, over the person, would be an operation over people".
The wording of "regardless of dwell time, if any" is interesting. Could it be interpreted that if there is no "dwell time" (the aircraft never hovers and is basically just transiting from one spot to another) that the momentary flight overhead might be permissible?