AWCReadyPrepare a certification →
App. A (12)UAS

FAA Order 8130.34D — UAS Operating Limitation A-12

Appendix A · p. A-3

Flight over a densely populated area or in a congested airway is prohibited.

Order notes

When avoiding populated areas, aircraft speed and weight must be considered. The information in FAA Order 8900.1 regarding show-line distances from spectator areas for aviation events may assist in determining a suitable space to fly the aircraft.

🧭 Guidance & sample wording

What “a suitable space to fly” means

Flight over a densely populated area or a congested airway is prohibited outright. For judging a suitable area elsewhere, the order's note points to FAA Order 8900.1 show-line distance guidance (the spectator-distance rules used for aviation events) and says aircraft speed and weight must be factored in — a heavier or faster UA carries more energy and needs a larger buffer.

How to apply it

Choose an area where a loss of control or flyaway stays clear of people and property. Use the 8900.1 show-line distances as a reference floor, then increase the buffer for the UA's speed, weight, and kinetic energy.
OrderFAA Order 8900.1 (FSIMS/DRS) ↗
Preparation support, not an FAA determination. The determination and record entry are made by the operator or authorized person; the FAA prescribes the final limitations on the FAA Form 8130-7.

Verify it yourself: the eyeball above opens the exact page of Order 8130.34D with this limitation highlighted.

Does this one apply to your operation?

AWCReady decides limitation A-12 for you — from the aircraft, the operation, and the 8130.34D risk index.

Not every sample limitation goes on every UAS or OPA. AWCReady scores the risk, gates each limitation to the operation and certification basis, asks only the questions that matter in plain language, and assembles a review-ready package.

See if it applies →
← All 8130.34D UAS & OPA operating limitations

This is a free reference reproducing public-domain text from FAA Order 8130.34D. AWCReady is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. This is one of the order’s sample limitations; the limitations an aircraft actually receives are prescribed by the FAA on FAA Form 8130-7 — AWCReady prepares and organizes; the FAA determines every outcome.