Conduct Higher-Risk Operations Safely and Legally
Operate Where Others Can’t
Standard drone rules place strict limitations on flying over or near people.
Operations Over or Near People (OONP) approvals allow you to safely conduct operations in environments where people are present, unlocking a wide range of commercial applications that are otherwise not possible.
Uncrewed Approvals supports operators in designing and obtaining OONP approvals aligned with the expectations of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
What is OONP?
Operations Over or Near People (OONP) is an approval that allows drone operations to be conducted:
- Over people
- Near people
- In populated or controlled environments
These operations are assessed based on risk, not just distance.
This requires a structured approach to:
- Hazard identification
- Risk mitigation
- Operational control
Why OONP Matters
Many commercial drone operations require access to environments where people are present:
Media & Events
- Filming in populated areas
- Live event coverage
Inspection & Washing Operations
- Urban infrastructure
- Buildings and facilities
Commercial Operations
- Construction sites
- Industrial environments
Enterprise & Government
- Public safety operations
- Urban monitoring
Without an OONP approval, these operations are either:
- Restricted
- Inefficient
- Not possible
How OONP is Assessed
OONP approvals are based on a risk-based assessment framework.
Rather than applying fixed rules, CASA evaluates:
- The level of risk to people
- The likelihood and consequence of failure
- The effectiveness of mitigation measures
This means every OONP approval is:
- Operation-specific
- Environment-specific
- System-dependent
Key Components of an OONP Operation
To obtain approval, your operation must demonstrate a robust and defensible framework.
Aircraft & Equipment
- Suitability of the RPAS
- Safety systems (e.g. redundancy, containment, parachutes where applicable)
Operational Controls
- Defined operating procedures
- Controlled operational area
- Personnel management
Risk Mitigation
- Separation strategies
- Ground risk controls
- Emergency procedures
People Management
- Identification of exposed persons
- Control of access where required
- Communication and coordination
Documentation
- Operations Manual updates
- SOPs specific to OONP
- Supporting risk assessment
The OONP Approval Process
We guide you through a structured, CASA-aligned process:
Step 1 — Operational Assessment
We assess your intended operation, environment, and aircraft.
Step 2 — Risk Framework Development
We identify hazards and develop mitigation strategies.
Step 3 — Operational Design
We define:
- Procedures
- Control measures
- Operational limits
Step 4 — Documentation Development
We prepare:
- Operations Manual updates
- SOPs
- Supporting material
Step 5 — CASA Submission
Application submitted through the appropriate approval pathway.
Step 6 — Approval & Implementation
We support integration into your operation.
What You Get
- CASA-aligned OONP operational framework
- Risk-based operational design
- Updated documentation ready for use
- Practical guidance on implementation
- Support for real-world operations
Why Uncrewed Approvals
OONP approvals are often where operators struggle — not because of the rules, but because of the risk design required.
We bring:
- Direct experience with CASA approvals
- Deep understanding of operational risk
- Practical experience across multiple industries
- Proven frameworks that translate into real operations
We don’t just help you get approval — we ensure your operation is:
- Safe
- Defensible
- Commercially viable
Common Challenges We Solve
Operators often encounter:
- Unclear risk assessment requirements
- Difficulty demonstrating acceptable safety levels
- Lack of formalised emergency response procedures
- Misalignment between procedures and actual operations
- Overly complex or unworkable documentation
We simplify this by designing clear, practical, and regulator-aligned solutions.
Integrating OONP Into Your Operation
OONP is often part of a broader capability set.
We support integration with:
- EVLOS operations
- Airspace approvals
- Enterprise operational frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly directly over people?
Only if the operation is approved and appropriate risk controls are in place.
Do I need special equipment?
In many cases, yes — depending on the level of risk and type of operation.
Is OONP approval difficult to obtain?
It requires a structured, risk-based approach, but is achievable with proper design.
Can OONP be used in urban environments?
Yes — this is one of its primary applications.
Start Your OONP Approval
If your operations require access to environments where people are present, we can help you design and obtain a compliant OONP approval.
