Drone exam · Payloads, dangerous goods, and special operations

A pilot flying under an Open category framework wants to drop lightweight promotional items at a field. Does the low mass alone make the operation acceptable?

Answer

No. Check the applicable category and local rules. In the EU Open category, dropping material is not permitted, regardless of the operator's belief that the objects are harmless.

Explanation

A special operation privilege is determined by the rule and risk, not only by object weight.