Current CASA Rules: Drone Over People
The Golden Rule
CASR Part 101 prohibits flying drones directly over people in almost all circumstances. This is non-negotiable. Current Restrictions (2026):- Recreational flying: ZERO exceptions for flying over people
- Commercial flying: Requires specific approval from CASA
- Emergency services: Exempted (search & rescue, medical)
- Government operations: Exempted (defense, border patrol)
- Directly above a person (0–5 meters horizontal distance)
- Hovering over groups (wedding ceremonies, outdoor events)
- Flying parallel to crowds (if closer than 30 meters)
- Passing over people during takeoff or landing
- 30 meters = length of 3 school buses
- 30 meters = height of 10-story building
- 30 meters = 10 second walk at normal pace
- Never hover directly above person (even if high)
- Maintain 400 feet AGL maximum (residential areas)
- Best practice: At least 100 feet vertical clearance
- Drone positioned 50m away horizontally
- Bride and groom 50m distant
- 80 feet altitude
- No people below flight path
- Drone 20m above crowd
- Horizontal distance < 30m
- Over 100 people
- Result: CASA violation (up to A$16,500 per offence)
- Emergency Operations
- Search and rescue
- Medical emergency response
- Disaster response
- Typically government-only
- High-Risk Commercial Operations
- Requires Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC)
- Comprehensive safety case (ConOps)
- SORA risk assessment (Level 3+)
- Insurance varies by coverage level and operations type+ minimum
- Extensive pilot training
- 2+ years operating experience
- Pass CASA theory exam
- varies — consult relevant providers for current pricing application fee
- 45–90 days processing
- Detailed flight plan
- Risk matrix (probability × severity)
- Safety procedures documented
- Hazard mitigations identified
- Emergency protocols
- Ground risk analysis
- Airspace risk analysis
- People-specific hazards:
- Impact injury potential
- Reliability of mitigation systems
- Redundancy verification
- Full safety case package
- Insurance certificate (varies by coverage level and operations type+)
- Pilot training records
- Equipment specifications
- Risk assessment
- Processing time: 120–180 days
- CASA may request modifications
- Conditional approval (with restrictions) common
- Approval valid 1 year (must renew)
- Shoot at 45-degree angle
- Position 50m+ away horizontally
- Capture bride/groom with people visible but not directly below
- Legal and still beautiful cinematography
- Legal immediately, no approval needed
- Drone 30m+ away from all attendees
- Excellent aerial shots possible
- Event organizer applies to CASA (not required by law, but recommended)
- Drone still doesn't fly directly over people
- Organizer assumes liability
- Processing: 30–60 days
- Most expensive option (varies by coverage level and operations type (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988)+)
- Unnecessary for most events
- Only for high-risk, high-profile coverage
- Comprehensive liability insurance (varies by coverage level and operations type+ minimum)
- Redundant communication system
- Battery monitor (never fly below 20% charge)
- Weather monitoring (real-time)
- Airspace check (NOTAM status)
- Two-person crew minimum (pilot + observer)
- Emergency landing zone identified
- Spectator briefing on drone operations
- Pilot must see drone at all times
- Maximum 500 meters distance
- Visual confirmation every 5 seconds
- Cannot rely on FPV (First Person View) goggles alone
- Penalty: significant penalties under CASR Part 101 and the Civil Aviation Act 1988
- Result: Remote Pilot License suspended 12 months
- Penalty: A$55,000 (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988) fine + court costs
- Result: Criminal record, 2-year license suspension
- Penalty: A$55,000 (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988) fine + equipment confiscation
- Result: License revoked permanently
- Drone positioned 40m away from subject
- Camera angle captures people + landscape
- No person directly below drone
- Result: Stunning cinematography, completely legal
- Drone starts 50m away at ground level
- Ascends to 200 feet while moving away from crowd
- Reveals landscape above/behind people
- Legal and visually striking
- Drone circles event at 30m+ distance
- Captures atmosphere without flying over attendees
- Multiple angles possible
- Professional result, zero legal risk
- Public Liability: varies by coverage level and operations type minimum (critical requirement)
- Equipment Damage: Full replacement value
- Operator Liability: Professional indemnity
- Third-Party Injury: Comprehensive coverage
- Standard drone insurance: costs vary significantly depending on the drone and accessories chosen
- "Over people" endorsement: +30–50% premium
- Reason: Significantly higher risk profile
- AIG Aviation
- QBE Aviation
- ALLIANZ Australia
- Lloyd's of London (niche coverage)
What "Over People" Means
Definition (CASR Part 101)
"Over people" includes:
Examples
| Scenario | Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drone hovering 5m above bride at wedding | No | Requires special approval |
| Filming crowd from 50m away (horizontally) | Yes | Legal for proper distance |
| Flying over empty parking lot | Yes | No people present |
| Flying over your own house (no people) | Yes | Legal |
| Filming a concert 30m above crowd | No | Over people, too close |
| Drone landing in person's arms | No | Extremely dangerous |
| Flying over open beach during low tide | Limited | Legal only if people 30m+ away |
Safe Distance Requirements
Minimum Horizontal Distance (CASR Part 101)
Rule: Drone must maintain minimum 30 meters horizontal distance from any person. Practical Distances:Vertical Distance
No specific CASA rule for vertical separation, but:
Examples of Compliant Flying
Wedding Scenario (COMPLIANT):Special Approval: Flying Over People (ReOC)
When CASA Grants "Over People" Approval
CASA rarely approves flying over people, only for:
Application Process for "Over People" Approval
Step 1: Obtain ReOCProfessional Filming Over People (With Approval)
Wedding Photography Example
Is a wedding drone shot "over people" legal? Standard Answer: NO, unless explicitly approved by CASA. Approved Alternative: Frame shots so drone is NOT directly over people:Event Coverage (Concerts, Festivals)
For large events with crowds: Option 1: VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) Without Flying Over PeopleCASA Safety Requirements for Filming
Mandatory Precautions (Always)
Even when flying 30m+ away from people:
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
Common Violations & Penalties
Over People Without Approval
| Violation | Severity | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Hovering over person | Critical | A$20,000–A$50,000 |
| Flying over crowd (event) | Critical | A$30,000–A$55,000 (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988) |
| Drone strikes person | Criminal | Prosecution + imprisonment (up to 5 years) |
| Injury caused by drone | Criminal | Assault/Reckless endangerment charges |
Recent CASA Enforcement Actions (2024–2025)
Case 1: Drone operator filming wedding over reception without approvalSafe Alternative: Angled Shots
Professional Techniques (LEGAL)
Technique 1: 45-Degree Diagonal ShotInsurance Requirements for Drone Over People
Mandatory Coverage
Even with CASA approval, insurance must cover:
Insurance Cost Impact
Recommended Providers
FAQ
Q: Can I fly over my own backyard where my kids are playing?
A: No. CASR Part 101 applies regardless of who owns the land. You cannot fly over any people, including family members.Q: What if I promise the people below signed consent forms?
A: Irrelevant. CASR Part 101 is not about consent; it's about safety. Signed waivers don't override CASA regulations.Q: Can I fly really high (1,000 feet) over people to be safe?
A: No. The rule is about horizontal distance (30m minimum), not altitude. Height doesn't change the "over people" classification.Q: Do emergency services need approval to fly over people?
A: No. Emergency services (ambulance, fire, police, SES) are exempt from "over people" restrictions for life-saving operations.Q: What about flying over animals instead of people?
A: Different rules. You CAN fly over animals (livestock, pets) without approval, but must maintain 30m distance from people who are with the animals.Q: Can I film my drone flying over a person in slow motion, then delete the footage?
A: Still illegal. The act of flying over people violates CASR Part 101, regardless of what you do with the footage.Q: What if my drone is small (under 250g)?
A: Rules apply equally. Size doesn't matter. Even a 150g drone cannot fly over people without approval.Q: How do I get approval to fly over people at my event?
A: Contact a CASA-approved consultant. Expect 120–180 days processing and varies — check with relevant providers (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988) in costs for most events.Q: Is MmowW going to report me to CASA?
A: No. MmowW is a compliance partner, not an enforcement agency. We help you stay legal, not turn you in. Your data is confidential.Q: What if someone trespasses on my property and I fly over them?
Key Takeaways
"Over people" is PROHIBITED under CASR Part 101 (recreational & standard commercial) 30-meter horizontal distance minimum from any person (always) ReOC + special approval required for over-people operations Approval process: 120–180 days and A$50,000–A$55,000 (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988)+ Angled shots are legal alternatives for professional filming Violation penalties: A$20,000–A$55,000 (maximum under the Civil Aviation Act 1988)+ plus license suspension