Proposed RPAS operations over or near people - (PP 2609US)

Overview

In most cases, remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and model aircraft (for simplicity we will refer to these types of aircraft as drones) must not fly over populous areas and must stay at least 30 metres away from people who aren’t directly involved in the operation of the drone.

This proposal outlines CASA’s approach to the enablement and regulation of drone operations over or near people (OONP) using a more proportionate, risk-based framework. The proposal aims to address identified gaps where there is the potential for unmitigated risk and expand the accessibility to industry and the general public, while maintaining appropriate safety outcomes for people on the ground.

CASA proposes to reduce regulatory requirements for some lower-risk activities by allowing certain operations over or near people without CASA approval, including:

• drones weighing 250 grams or less
• operations where people are physically separated from the drone by a suitable barrier or structure, such as buildings or stationary vehicles.

The proposal will also update CASA’s current policy in TMI 2024-01 - RPA Operations over or near people, by:

• clarifying when approvals apply
• strengthening application expectations using concepts of operations and emergency response planning
• refining approval pathways to better address laceration risk, impact energy, moving vehicles, and operations near major gatherings or organised events.

Overall, the proposal aims to reduce approvals for inherently lower-risk operations, provide clearer expectations for industry, and focus CASA’s assessment effort on more complex and higher-risk activities, while maintaining or improving safety outcomes.

Previous consultations

The Aviation Safety Advisory Panel formed a Technical Working Group (TWG) in December 2025, with 7 members drawn from across the RPAS industry. The TWG participants were asked to provide feedback on the proposed changes for OONP, with a focus on changes proposed to TMI 2024-01 - RPA Operations over or near people. TWG feedback has been incorporated into the proposal.

Why your views matter

The proposed policy will directly influence how drone operations over or near people are approved and conducted in real operating environments. By sharing your experience and views, you help ensure the policy meets the industry’s needs in a clear, practical, and proportionate manner.

How to submit feedback

Please submit your comments on the proposed amendments through the consultation hub using the survey link provided on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au .

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

All comments received on the proposed legislation will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the proposed instrument will be incorporated where appropriate.

Post-implementation review

CASA will review and refine the policy, associated guidance material, and any future legislative instruments or regulatory changes based on the outcomes of this consultation. Some proposals may not be implemented immediately, but will inform longer term policy, guidance, and regulatory amendments.

Related documents

All documents relevant to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Policy Proposal – 2609US
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.