How to Legally Fly Drones Over People in Australia

lying drones over people sounds simple — but in Australia, it’s one of the most tightly regulated operations under CASA guidelines. Whether you're filming a music festival, a tourism campaign on a busy beach, or a bustling city scene, any flight over or near people requires special authorisation known as an OONP (Operations Over or Near People) approval.

The purpose of this regulation is clear: safety. Drones can cause serious harm if something goes wrong, and operating in areas with people below increases the risk significantly. That’s why CASA requires commercial operators to conduct detailed risk assessments, demonstrate safety mitigations, and apply for formal OONP approval before these flights can legally occur.

Flying Glass specialises in helping productions navigate this exact process. We’re one of the few drone companies in Australia with extensive experience in high-risk, high-traffic aerial operations. Our team handles all the necessary planning, including safety procedures, equipment redundancy, airspace coordination, and documentation to meet CASA’s requirements.

If you're planning a shoot or project that may involve flying near crowds or populated areas, it's worth speaking to a team that understands the legal pathway. You can learn more about how OONP approval works — and when it applies — by visiting our full Operations Over or Near People (OONP) guide.

With the right preparation, it is possible to fly safely and legally — even in challenging environments. At Flying Glass, we help make that happen.