What is the definition of a small unmanned aircraft (UA)?

What is the definition of a small unmanned aircraft (UA)?

• A. A UA weighing more than 55 pounds, including everything onboard or attached to the aircraft.
• B. A UA weighing less than 100 pounds, including everything onboard or attached to the aircraft.
• C. A UA weighing less than 55 pounds, including everything onboard or attached to the aircraft.
• D. A UA designed for indoor operation only.

Answer: (C)

Small unmanned aircraft are defined by their weight at takeoff. If the aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds, including everything onboard or attached (payload, fuel, sensors, etc.), it is classified as a small UA. This threshold is what determines which regulatory rules apply; lighter-than-55-pound UAs fall under the small UAS framework, while heavier ones are not. The other options describe weights that are either above the small-UAs limit or focus on design/usage rather than the size category, so they don’t define what a small UA is.

Small unmanned aircraft are defined by their weight at takeoff. If the aircraft weighs less than 55 pounds, including everything onboard or attached (payload, fuel, sensors, etc.), it is classified as a small UA. This threshold is what determines which regulatory rules apply; lighter-than-55-pound UAs fall under the small UAS framework, while heavier ones are not. The other options describe weights that are either above the small-UAs limit or focus on design/usage rather than the size category, so they don’t define what a small UA is.