OONP Approval Australia: Fly Over or Near People Safely and Legally

OONP stands for Operations Over or Near People. In Australia, OONP is one of the most tightly controlled areas of commercial drone operation. That is because flying near people, or directly over people, creates a very different risk profile from a normal drone job in an empty paddock, closed site or controlled area.

For many drone operators, OONP approval is the difference between turning down valuable work and being able to take on higher-value commercial jobs. Events, television productions, public activations, city filming, construction sites, emergency response work and busy commercial environments often involve people on the ground. Without the right approval, those jobs can become difficult, restricted or impossible.

Flying Glass was among the early Australian commercial drone operators to obtain OONP approval. We have used that experience on real productions, real sites and real risk assessments. We now support other operators through our drone consultancy services, helping them understand whether OONP is achievable, what evidence they may need, and how to present a stronger application to CASA.

What Does OONP Mean?

OONP means Operations Over or Near People. In practical terms, it covers drone operations where the aircraft may be flown close to, or over, people who are not protected from the risk of the aircraft.

This can include people who are:

• Members of the public at an event, activation or public location.
• Workers on an active site who are not directly involved in controlling the drone.
• Talent, athletes or performers being filmed.
• People who have given consent but are still exposed to operational risk.
• People who have not given consent and are simply present in the operating area.

CASA’s public guidance makes it clear that, in general, you must not fly a drone closer than 30 metres to people who are not essential to controlling or navigating the drone. CASA also states that you must not fly over a person unless an exception or approval applies. This is why OONP approval matters so much for commercial drone operators working in real-world environments.

Why OONP Is So Important for Commercial Drone Operators

Many drone businesses reach a point where standard permissions are not enough. You might have a ReOC, experienced pilots, good procedures and strong clients, but still find yourself limited by the 30 metre rule, consent requirements or the inability to fly over people.

OONP approval can open the door to work such as:

• • Film and television: filming talent, crowds, public streets, event sites and urban locations.
  • Commercial campaigns: capturing brand activations, launches, public spaces and promotional shoots.
  • Live events: filming festivals, races, ceremonies, concerts, sporting events and crowd environments.
  • Construction and infrastructure: operating near workers, active machinery and busy sites without shutting everything down.
  • Emergency response and disaster work: supporting teams where people may be present in complex operating areas.
  • Surveying and inspection: working in urban or semi-public environments where exclusion zones are difficult.

OONP is not just a compliance upgrade. It can be a commercial advantage. Operators who can legally and safely fly where others cannot are often more useful to producers, agencies, government clients, infrastructure teams and event organisers.

Flying Glass: Real OONP Experience, Not Just Theory

OONP is not an area where you want generic advice. A weak application, poor documentation or unrealistic operating concept can waste time, trigger further CASA questions, or result in an approval that does not actually support the jobs you want to do.

Flying Glass has practical OONP experience from both sides. We understand the operational realities of flying near people, and we understand the documentation burden required to support a higher-risk application. That combination matters.

Our background includes high-end drone cinematography for television, film, commercials, events and complex public environments. We are used to working around producers, directors, safety teams, public land managers, government stakeholders and aviation regulators. That experience helps us build OONP strategies that are practical, defensible and commercially useful.

What an OONP Approval May Allow

Every OONP approval is specific. It is not a blank cheque to fly anywhere, over anyone, in any conditions. CASA may approve particular aircraft, operating scenarios, height limits, crew procedures, parachute systems, emergency procedures and risk controls.

Depending on your application and CASA’s assessment, an OONP approval may address:

• The specific drones or RPAS you are permitted to use.
• The operating conditions attached to the approval.
• Whether a parachute recovery system is required.
• Minimum operating heights or separation distances.
• Requirements for crew briefing, consent, exclusion zones or spotters.
• Emergency procedures and post-incident response.
• Maintenance, testing and documentation obligations.

This is why the planning stage matters. Before applying for OONP approval, you need to understand what you actually want to do. A vague application for “flying over people” is much weaker than a specific, well-supported operating concept with a clear risk case.

OONP and the 30 Metre Rule

The 30 metre rule is one of the key reasons operators search for OONP help. In Australia, drone operators generally need to keep at least 30 metres away from people who are not essential to controlling or navigating the drone. CASA measures this from the point on the ground directly below the drone, not simply from the aircraft in the air.

There are some circumstances where ReOC holders may operate closer than 30 metres, but no closer than 15 metres, if the relevant conditions are met and the person provides consent. However, if you want to operate closer than those limits, or operate near people without consent, you may need CASA approval.

For many commercial jobs, this distinction is crucial. A film shoot with performers, a public event, a construction site, a footpath, a beach, a harbour location or a CBD environment may quickly push a normal drone operation into OONP territory.

Do You Need OONP Approval?

You may need OONP approval if your drone operation involves flying:

• Over people.
• Within 30 metres of people who are not essential to the operation.
• Closer than 15 metres to people, even with consent.
• Near members of the public where consent cannot realistically be obtained.
• At events, activations, streets, beaches, parks, construction sites or busy commercial areas.
• In a way that could create an unreasonable risk to people or property.

If you are unsure, it is worth getting advice before quoting the job, accepting the brief or submitting an application. OONP questions are often easier to solve early than after a client has locked dates, locations and expectations.

What Is Involved in Getting OONP Approval?

OONP approval is not a simple form-filling exercise. CASA needs to understand the risk, the aircraft, the safety systems, the crew, the operating environment and the procedures that will keep people on the ground safe.

A strong OONP application may include:

1. Operational concept: a clear explanation of what you want to do, where you want to do it and why OONP approval is required.
2. Aircraft selection: evidence that the drone is suitable for the proposed OONP operation.
3. Parachute or risk mitigation strategy: details of any parachute system, containment measure, procedures or other safety controls.
4. Operational Safety Case: a structured explanation of hazards, risks, mitigations, residual risk and emergency response.
5. Procedures: crew roles, briefings, pre-flight checks, maintenance, incident response and site controls.
6. Evidence: supporting documentation, testing records, manuals, specifications, training records and other material.
7. CASA submission: a complete application that gives CASA enough information to assess the proposed operation.

Flying Glass helps operators make sense of this process. We can support the whole OONP application or provide targeted assistance with the areas causing the most difficulty.

Parachutes and OONP Compliance

Parachutes are a major part of many OONP conversations, but they need to be considered properly. A parachute system is not just an accessory. It must be suitable for the aircraft, the operation and the safety case.

For OONP applications, parachute considerations may include:

• Whether a parachute is required for the proposed operation.
• Whether a suitable system exists for the drone you want to use.
• Installation requirements and compatibility.
• Manufacturer documentation and system limitations.
• Deployment height and effectiveness.
• Maintenance, inspection and testing requirements.
• How the parachute fits into the wider Operational Safety Case.

Flying Glass can help you assess parachute options for your OONP application. We can also help you understand the operational implications before you spend money on hardware that may not suit your approval pathway.

OONP for Film, TV and Commercial Shoots

Film and television work is one of the clearest use cases for OONP approval. Productions often need drones to operate around cast, crew, vehicles, public spaces, roads, event sites or active locations. Standard separation rules can make the shot difficult or impossible.

Flying Glass has extensive experience in drone cinematography for television, film and commercials. We understand that the shot matters, but so does the approval, safety plan, crew briefing and production workflow. OONP capability can help productions capture more dynamic shots while still working within a compliant safety framework.

If your production needs aerial filming near people, Flying Glass can either provide the drone crew or advise your team on the OONP requirements for the job.

Our specialist OONP capability supports suitable live-event and production work, including FPV drone Melbourne projects where close-proximity filming around performers, athletes or controlled event environments is central to the creative brief.

OONP for Events and Public Activations

Events are another common reason operators need OONP support. Public events are rarely empty, predictable or easy to fully control. Even with good planning, there may be attendees, performers, staff, contractors, media teams and members of the public within the operating environment.

OONP planning for events may need to consider:

• Crowd layout and movement.
• Take-off and landing areas.
• Emergency landing options.
• Spotters and ground crew.
• Barriers, exclusion zones and signage.
• Consent and communication.
• Coordination with event organisers, security and site managers.

Flying Glass can help event organisers and drone operators understand whether OONP approval is needed, what risk controls may be required and how to plan the operation safely.

Flying Glass also designs and operates complete drone brand activations and PR stunts, combining complex aviation approvals with custom payload systems, branded aircraft and live event execution.

For complex projects where the drone also carries a purpose-built payload, release system or specialist equipment, Flying Glass can combine OONP planning with custom drone payload integration and project-specific R&D.

Our OONP capability is particularly valuable for drone live broadcast projects at concerts, sporting events and other environments where the best aerial perspectives may be close to controlled participants or event personnel.

OONP for Construction, Infrastructure and Urban Sites

Construction and infrastructure sites often involve workers, contractors, vehicles, machinery and nearby public areas. A normal drone flight can quickly become an OONP issue if workers are present, access cannot be fully controlled or the drone needs to operate close to people.

For construction and infrastructure work, OONP approval may support:

• Progress filming on active sites.
• Inspection work near workers or public boundaries.
• Urban surveying where separation is difficult.
• Infrastructure documentation around roads, bridges or public spaces.
• Emergency or incident response where people may remain nearby.

Flying Glass can help operators and project teams assess the site, identify risks and decide whether OONP approval or an approved external operator is the best path.

Flying Glass OONP Consultancy Services

Our OONP consultancy services are designed for Australian drone operators who want practical, experienced support. We do not simply hand you a generic template and leave you to work it out. We help you understand the operational logic behind the application.

Flying Glass can assist with:

• Initial OONP assessment: understanding what you want to do and whether OONP approval is likely to be required.
• Application strategy: deciding what type of operation, aircraft and safety controls to present.
• Operational Safety Case support: building a structured, practical and defensible safety case.
• Parachute guidance: helping you understand suitable systems, limitations and documentation needs.
• Procedure development: crew roles, emergency procedures, site controls and operating practices.
• CASA liaison support: helping you respond to questions and prepare stronger supporting material.
• Audit and renewal preparation: reviewing your OONP documentation after approval is granted.
• Operational mentoring: helping your crew understand how OONP work differs from standard drone operations.

For operators expanding into other advanced operating models, Flying Glass also provides support for BVLOS operations and approvals, including operational planning, documentation and pathways for Beyond Visual Line of Sight capability.

Why OONP Applications Fail or Stall

Many OONP applications run into trouble because the operator underestimates the level of detail required. CASA is assessing risk to people on the ground, so the application needs to do more than say the pilot is experienced or the drone is reliable.

Common OONP problems include:

• The proposed operation is too vague.
• The drone is not suitable for the intended risk profile.
• The parachute evidence is incomplete or poorly explained.
• The Operational Safety Case is generic.
• The operator has not explained how people will be protected.
• The procedures do not match the proposed real-world operation.
• The application does not clearly address emergency scenarios.
• The operator asks for broad approval without enough supporting evidence.

Flying Glass helps you avoid these problems by approaching OONP from an operational perspective first. We look at what you need to achieve, what risk that creates and what evidence is needed to support the application.

Should You Apply for OONP Approval or Hire an Approved Operator?

Not every business needs its own OONP approval immediately. In some cases, hiring an approved operator is faster, simpler and more cost-effective. In other cases, building your own OONP capability makes commercial sense.

You may be better off hiring Flying Glass for the OONP flight if:

• The job is urgent.
• You only need OONP capability occasionally.
• The client needs a compliant result quickly.
• You do not yet have the right aircraft, parachute or procedures.
• You want to avoid delaying the shoot while an application is assessed.

You may be better off applying for your own OONP approval if:

• You regularly turn down work because of people on site.
• You want to offer higher-value drone services.
• You have a ReOC and want to expand your operational capability.
• You are investing in compliant aircraft and safety systems.
• You want a long-term competitive advantage.

If you are not sure which option is right, Flying Glass can help you make a practical decision before you invest time or money in the wrong direction.

OONP Approval and CASA Documentation

CASA’s approach to OONP is risk-based. Your application needs to show that you understand the hazards and have suitable controls in place. That usually means your documentation needs to be clear, specific and consistent.

Useful OONP documentation may include:

• Operational Safety Case.
• Risk assessment.
• Aircraft specifications.
• Parachute documentation, where applicable.
• Operations manual updates.
• Emergency procedures.
• Crew training records.
• Maintenance and inspection procedures.
• Site assessment process.
• Consent and briefing process, where relevant.

Flying Glass can help you identify documentation gaps before your application goes in. This can reduce rework and make your OONP submission easier for CASA to assess.

ReOC holders wanting to develop their own advanced capability can also engage Flying Glass for outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support, including operational governance and assistance introducing complex operations into an existing drone program.

What Makes a Strong OONP Safety Case?

A strong OONP safety case does not simply list risks. It explains how the operation works, what can go wrong, what controls are in place and why the remaining risk is acceptable.

For OONP, your safety case should usually consider:

• Aircraft failure.
• Loss of control link.
• Navigation or positioning error.
• Battery or power failure.
• Parachute deployment limitations.
• People entering the operating area.
• Weather and wind effects.
• Pilot workload.
• Crew communication.
• Emergency landing or containment options.

Flying Glass can help turn these issues into a practical, readable OONP safety case that reflects the way your team actually operates.

OONP FAQs

What does OONP stand for?

OONP stands for Operations Over or Near People. It refers to drone operations where the aircraft may be flown close to, or over, people on the ground.

Do I always need CASA approval for OONP?

Not always. Some operations between 30 metres and 15 metres from people may be possible for ReOC holders when the required conditions are met. However, operations closer than those limits, over people, or near people without consent may require CASA approval.

Can Flying Glass complete an OONP flight for us?

Yes. Flying Glass may be able to complete the flight for you using our own approved OONP capability, depending on the location, aircraft, risk profile and client requirements.

Can Flying Glass help us get our own OONP approval?

Yes. Flying Glass helps Australian drone operators prepare for OONP approval, including application strategy, Operational Safety Case support, parachute guidance, documentation review and CASA liaison support.

Do I need a parachute for OONP?

A parachute is often an important part of an OONP approval pathway, but the requirement depends on the aircraft, operation and safety case. Flying Glass can help you assess whether a parachute system is suitable and what documentation may be needed.

Is OONP only for large drone companies?

No. OONP approval can be relevant to solo operators, small drone businesses, production companies, enterprise teams and specialist operators. The key issue is whether the operation can be supported by a strong safety case and appropriate controls.

Ready to Discuss OONP?

If you are serious about flying drones over or near people, the best next step is to get advice before you apply, quote or commit to a client. OONP can unlock valuable work, but it needs to be approached carefully.

Flying Glass can help you decide whether to apply for your own OONP approval, hire us for a specific OONP flight, or prepare your documentation before speaking with CASA. We bring real-world experience, practical safety thinking and a commercial understanding of what drone operators actually need.

You can also visit our Drone Consultancy page or watch the Flying Glass Showreel to see the type of high-end work our team supports.