Piyo : "I want to film a crowd at our local festival. Can I just fly my drone overhead?"

The Core Rule: Default = Prohibited

Flying over people (not passing overhead, but hovering/operating above) is PROHIBITED unless:

  1. CAA operational approval (exemption)
  2. Certified "safe" aircraft (enhanced design, testing)
  3. Advanced pilot training & competency
  4. Enhanced public liability insurance (appropriate (consult insurer))
  5. Risk assessment & safety plan approved

    6.

    Definitions: What is "Flying Over People"?

    Categories

    Operation Rule Requirement
    Hovering over crowd Over 1+ person CAA approval mandatory
    Circular flight pattern over people Repeated passes CAA approval mandatory
    Transiting over people Passing overhead once May qualify for exemption
    Low-level ops near people <5m horizontal distance Enhanced safety measures
    Taking off/landing over people Vertical movement over crowd CAA approval mandatory

    The "Safe Distance" Rule

    Default safe distance from people: 30 meters horizontally, 30 meters vertically
    • Within 30m = risk of injury (assumes aircraft failure)
    • Beyond 30m = presumed safe (with proper planning)

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      CAA Regulations for Over-People Operations

      Regulatory Framework

      Regulation Requirement
      Air Navigation Order 2016 § 94(6) Prohibition on flying over persons or assemblies
      UK UAS Regulation Part A Specific category ops require risk assessment
      CAA Policy Notice UAS.SPEC.010202 Exemption approval for people protection
      EASA Design Specification CS-UAS 2 Enhanced safety design requirements
      ---

      Risk Categories: Three Approval Paths

      Path 1: Transiting Overhead (Low Risk)

      Definition: Single pass across people (not hovering, not circling) Requirements:
      • Maximum 1–2 seconds flight time over people
      • Minimum altitude: 50m
      • Pilot maintains unobstructed view
      • Aircraft weight: <5kg
      • Public liability: varies by coverage level and operations type minimum

      Approval time: 2–3 weeks

      Path 2: Low-Density Over-People Operations

      Definition: Operating <30m from people in spaced outdoor areas Examples:
      • Wedding photography (dispersed guests)
      • Rural inspection work near scattered workers
      • Agricultural filming (farm staff working apart)

      Requirements:
      • Crowd density: <1 person per 10 square meters
      • Risk assessment (detailed)
      • Dedicated safety observer
      • Emergency landing plan
      • Public liability: appropriate (consult insurer) minimum
      • Pilot certification: Advanced (OA or equivalent)

      Approval time: 4–6 weeks

      Path 3: High-Density Over-People Operations

      Definition: Operating over crowds (festivals, events, sports) Examples:
      • Festival aerial filming
      • Crowd evacuation photography
      • Emergency rescue operations
      • Sports event coverage

      Requirements:
      • Enhanced aircraft design (redundancy, fail-safe)
      • Type certification (CAA approval of aircraft model)
      • Comprehensive risk assessment
      • Multiple safety observers
      • Real-time tracking system
      • Public liability: appropriate (consult insurer) minimum
      • Pilot: Master level certification
      • Emergency coordination with local authorities

      Approval time: 8–12 weeks

      Enhanced Aircraft Requirements

      Safe Design Features (CAA Expectations)

      For over-people operations, your aircraft should have:

      Feature Why Required
      Redundant propulsion Prevents total motor failure
      Fail-safe descent Parachute or controlled drop if power lost
      Structural integrity testing Proof of durability in failure modes
      Impact assessment Manufacturer data on kinetic energy at altitude
      Maintenance tracking Service records demonstrating airworthiness

      Aircraft Certification Path

      For commercial over-people work:
      1. Manufacturer design certification (EASA or equivalent)
      2. Type approval testing (CAA laboratory)
      3. Operational limitations (weight, altitude, crowd density)
      4. Individual aircraft registration & inspection

      Cost: costs vary depending on provider and course level (one-time type certification)

      Approved Aircraft Examples (UK 2026)

      • DJI Agras T10 (agricultural, certified)
      • Flyby Technology Scout (tactical, approved)
      • Aeryon SkyRanger (professional, certified)
      • Custom-built with CAA pre-approval

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        Pilot Training & Competency

        Minimum Requirements

        For transiting overhead:
        • Operational Authorisation (OA, £524/year)
        • 100+ hours flight experience
        • Over-people operations training (online, 2 hours)

        For low-density over-people ops:
        • OA + Advanced endorsement
        • 200+ hours flight experience
        • Risk assessment practical (8 hours)
        • Emergency procedures training

        For high-density (crowded) operations:
        • Master Drone Pilot certification
        • 500+ hours flight experience
        • Type rating for specific aircraft
        • Crowd management & emergency coordination (40+ hours)
        • Medical assessment (equivalent to commercial pilot)

        Training Providers & Costs

        Course Duration Cost
        Over-people ops online 2 hours varies depending on provider and course level
        Risk assessment practical 8 hours varies — check with relevant providers
        Advanced endorsement 40+ hours £4,000–£8,000
        Master certification 100+ hours varies depending on provider and course level
        ---

        Insurance Requirements

        Mandatory Coverage

        Public Liability Minimum by Operation Type:

        Operation Minimum Coverage
        Transiting overhead varies by coverage level and operations type
        Low-density operations appropriate (consult insurer)
        High-density (crowds) appropriate (consult insurer)

        Cost Breakdown (Annual, per drone)

        Operation Annual Insurance
        Transiting overhead varies depending on specifications
        Low-density ops varies by coverage level and operations type
        High-density ops £4,500–£8,000

        Risk Assessment & Safety Plan

        Required Documentation

        For ANY over-people operation, you must submit:

        1. Risk Assessment (HIRA Format)
        • Hazard identification (aircraft failure, loss of control, etc.)
        • Risk rating (1–5 scale)
        • Mitigation measures for each risk
        • Residual risk (post-mitigation)

        2. Operations Manual (Over-People Section)
        • Pre-flight checklist (redundancy checks)
        • Flight procedures (altitude, speed, distance)
        • Emergency procedures (loss-of-signal, power failure)
        • Weather minimums (wind, visibility, precipitation)
        • Accident reporting procedures

        3. Safety Plan
        • Observer roles & training
        • Crowd control measures
        • Emergency landing sites
        • Communication with local authorities (if crowds >50 people)
        • Medical assistance plan (if required)

        CAA Review

        CAA will assess: Is the risk acceptable? Are mitigations adequate? Is the operator competent? Is insurance sufficient?

        If yes to all: Approval issued

        Step-by-Step: Applying for Over-People Approval

        Week 1–2: Planning

        • [ ] Define exact operation (location, altitude, crowd size)
        • [ ] Select aircraft (check CAA-approved models)
        • [ ] Identify qualified pilot
        • [ ] Draft risk assessment (HIRA format)

        Week 2–3: Documentation

        • [ ] Complete risk assessment (all mitigations detailed)
        • [ ] Write operations manual (over-people procedures)
        • [ ] Safety plan (observers, emergency procedures)
        • [ ] Arrange insurance quote (provide docs to insurer)

        Week 3–4: Submission

        • [ ] Submit CAA exemption application (online portal)
        • [ ] Include all documentation
        • [ ] Provide pilot credentials & training records
        • [ ] Confirm insurance approval

        Week 4–8: CAA Review

        • [ ] CAA may request clarifications
        • [ ] Typically 1–2 rounds of questions
        • [ ] Respond within 2 weeks of each query
        • [ ] CAA issues approval or rejects with reasons

        Week 8+: Approval & Operations

        • [ ] CAA issues exemption certificate
        • [ ] Insurance policy activated
        • [ ] Conduct final safety briefing
        • [ ] First flight approved

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          Common Mistakes & Penalties

          Mistake 1: "I'll just fly low over the crowd without approval"

          • Penalty: significant penalties under the ANO 2016 + OA revocation + potential prosecution
          • Reality: CAA monitors crowds with social media alerts + local reports

          Mistake 2: "My standard operator insurance covers this"

          • Penalty: Claim denial + £20,000+ out-of-pocket liability
          • Fix: Get explicit over-people coverage approved by CAA

          Mistake 3: "I don't need a safety observer for low-density work"

          • Penalty: significant penalties under the ANO 2016 + operation ban
          • Fix: Observer is mandatory for all approved over-people ops

          Mistake 4: "Risk assessment is just paperwork"

          • Penalty: CAA rejection + 3-month reapplication wait
          • Fix: Risk assessment must be thorough, with evidence-based mitigations

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            FAQ (Schema.org FAQPage)