Flying Drones Over People Australia: CASA Safety Requirements 2026

Piyo 🐣: Poppo, I'm filming a wedding and the photos look best when the drone flies over the guests. Is that allowed?

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)

What "Over People" Means

Definition (CASR Part 101)

"Over people" includes:

1. Directly above a person (0–5 meters horizontal distance)
2. Hovering over groups (wedding ceremonies, outdoor events)
3. Flying parallel to crowds (if closer than 30 meters)
4. Passing over people during takeoff or landing

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

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Safe Distance Requirements

Minimum Horizontal Distance (CASR Part 101)

Rule: Drone must maintain minimum 30 meters horizontal distance from any person. Practical Distances:
• 30 meters = length of 3 school buses
• 30 meters = height of 10-story building
• 30 meters = 10 second walk at normal pace

Vertical Distance

No specific CASA rule for vertical separation, but:

• Never hover directly above person (even if high)
• Maintain 400 feet AGL maximum (residential areas)
• Best practice: At least 100 feet vertical clearance

Examples of Compliant Flying

Wedding Scenario (COMPLIANT):
• Drone positioned 50m away horizontally
• Bride and groom 50m distant
• 80 feet altitude
• No people below flight path

Concert Scenario (NON-COMPLIANT):
• Drone 20m above crowd
• Horizontal distance < 30m
• Over 100 people
• Result: CASA violation (A$20,000+ penalty)

Special Approval: Flying Over People (ReOC)

When CASA Grants "Over People" Approval

CASA rarely approves flying over people, only for:

1. Emergency Operations

• Search and rescue
• Medical emergency response
• Disaster response
• Typically government-only

1. High-Risk Commercial Operations

• Requires Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC)
• Comprehensive safety case (ConOps)
• SORA risk assessment (Level 3+)
• Insurance A$20M+ minimum
• Extensive pilot training

Application Process for "Over People" Approval

Step 1: Obtain ReOC
• 2+ years operating experience
• Pass CASA theory exam
• A$2,500 application fee
• 45–90 days processing

Step 2: Develop ConOps
• Detailed flight plan
• Risk matrix (probability × severity)
• Safety procedures documented
• Hazard mitigations identified
• Emergency protocols

Step 3: SORA Assessment
• Ground risk analysis
• Airspace risk analysis
• People-specific hazards:
• Impact injury potential
• Reliability of mitigation systems
• Redundancy verification

Step 4: Submit to CASA
• Full safety case package
• Insurance certificate (A$20M+)
• Pilot training records
• Equipment specifications
• Risk assessment

Step 5: Wait for Approval
• Processing time: 120–180 days
• CASA may request modifications
• Conditional approval (with restrictions) common
• Approval valid 1 year (must renew)

Professional 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:
• Shoot at 45-degree angle
• Position 50m+ away horizontally
• Capture bride/groom with people visible but not directly below
• Legal and still beautiful cinematography

Event Coverage (Concerts, Festivals)

For large events with crowds: Option 1: VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) Without Flying Over People
• Legal immediately, no approval needed
• Drone 30m+ away from all attendees
• Excellent aerial shots possible

Option 2: Special Event Waiver
• 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

Option 3: Full ReOC + Over People Approval
• Most expensive option (A$150,000+)
• Unnecessary for most events
• Only for high-risk, high-profile coverage

CASA Safety Requirements for Filming

Mandatory Precautions (Always)

Even when flying 30m+ away from people:

• ✅ Comprehensive liability insurance (A$10M+ 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

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

• 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

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$100,000
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 approval
• Penalty: A$45,000 fine
• Result: Remote Pilot License suspended 12 months

Case 2: Drone filming festival crowd (50+ people)
• Penalty: A$75,000 fine + court costs
• Result: Criminal record, 2-year license suspension

Case 3: Drone delivery operator (no ReOC) flying package over busy street
• Penalty: A$100,000 fine + equipment confiscation
• Result: License revoked permanently

Safe Alternative: Angled Shots

Professional Techniques (LEGAL)

Technique 1: 45-Degree Diagonal Shot
• Drone positioned 40m away from subject
• Camera angle captures people + landscape
• No person directly below drone
• Result: Stunning cinematography, completely legal

Technique 2: Rising Reveal
• 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

Technique 3: Perimeter Sweep
• Drone circles event at 30m+ distance
• Captures atmosphere without flying over attendees
• Multiple angles possible
• Professional result, zero legal risk

Insurance Requirements for Drone Over People

Mandatory Coverage

Even with CASA approval, insurance must cover:

• Public Liability: A$20M minimum (critical requirement)
• Equipment Damage: Full replacement value
• Operator Liability: Professional indemnity
• Third-Party Injury: Comprehensive coverage

Insurance Cost Impact

• Standard drone insurance: A$500–A$2,000/year
• "Over people" endorsement: +30–50% premium
• Reason: Significantly higher risk profile

Recommended Providers

• AIG Aviation
• QBE Aviation
• ALLIANZ Australia
• Lloyd's of London (niche coverage)

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 A$50,000–A$150,000 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$150,000+ ✅ Angled shots are legal alternatives for professional filming ✅ Violation penalties: A$20,000–A$100,000+ plus license suspension

Last Updated: April 2026 | CASA Regulation: CASR Part 101 | Authority: Civil Aviation Safety Authority