Certified OONP Drone Operator 

Safer, Closer Flights above Crowded Spaces, Fully CASA Approved

OONP Drone Pilots Adelaide

The team at SA-UAVs, are always at the forefront of drone technology and are certified to conduct OONP (Operations Over or Near People) under Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules. This advanced certification allows us to fly drones directly over people and in challenging environments while maintaining the highest safety and regulatory standards.

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SA-UAVs
Licensed to Be Where the Action Is Happening

Under standard commercial drone regulations, flying a drone directly over people, public events and active/busy roads is restricted due to unreasonable safety risks. That means if you want to film a public event without OONP approval, you’re typically limited to operating from the sidelines, capturing wide, distant angles and working around strict separation rules.

With OONP drone operators, those limitations change, and SA-UAVs can capture footage others can’t.

More Access. Better Results.
No Compliance Shortcuts.

As one of the first OONP certified Drone Operators in Adelaide, SA-UAVs can fly closer to people, infrastructure and activity to deliver tighter shots, better angles and more immersive footage, without compromising safety or compliance.

  • Closer, more dynamic aerial imagery without exposing people to unnecessary risk
  • Overhead event coverage, public place filming, and urban aerial capture
  • Inspections and surveys in built-up or congested sites
  • Asset monitoring over people-accessible infrastructure
  • Live streaming over populated events

What It Takes to Fly Drone Operations Over People – Legally

To obtain OONP drone operator certification SA-UAVs had to demonstrate that it meets stringent safety requirements including

  • Advanced risk management strategies
  • Compliance with safety systems (e.g., parachute devices, propeller guards etc.)
  • Thorough operational procedures designed to manage risk around people and property
Drone operations over people - Construction in Adelaide

Drone operations over people – Construction (Adelaide)

Drone operations over people - Residential housing development Adelaide

Drone operations over people – Residential housing development (Adelaide)

Drone operations over people - Brighton Jetty Swim

Drone operations over people – Brighton Jetty Swim (Adelaide)

Drone operations over people - Coopers Stadium Adelaide

Drone operations over people – Coopers Stadium (Adelaide)

Why Choose SA-UAVs for OONP-Certified Drone Operations

Legal Compliance & Safety First

All flights adhere to CASA’s regulatory framework, reducing risk and giving you peace of mind.

Professional Planning 

We handle airspace approvals, safety documentation, and operational planning, so your project runs smoothly. 

Better Access & Creative Possibilities 

From live events and film sets to inspections and controlled site operations, SA-UAVs can capture footage and data in environments that would otherwise be off-limits.  

Closer Proximity & Operational Flexibility 

We can legally fly closer to people (up to 30m without consent and up to 5m with consent) to best achieve your goals.

Expertise & Professional Standards

Our pilots have logged over 2400 flight hours and are experienced in planning, risk assessment, and undertaking higher-risk operations with robust safety systems in place.

How SA-UAVs Keep You Protected

In addition to our OONP drone operator certification, all flights are executed with professionalism and an eye for safety at every stage.

  • Flights are flown by CASA-certified pilots with 2400+ hours experience
  • Comprehensive public liability insurance
  • Detailed risk assessments and safety plans completed for every job
  • Strict adherence to workplace safety (WHS) and aviation standards

Ready For Exceptional Drone Footage?

Whether you need cinematic aerial footage over events, detailed construction site surveys near workers, or safe flights in populated environments/over roads, SA-UAVs can unlock better outcomes for your next project.

FAQs: Certified OONP Drone Operator 

What does OONP stand for in drone operations?

OONP stands for Operations Over or Near People. It refers to CASA-approved drone operations that allow certified operators to fly over or closer to people than standard drone rules normally permit. 

Is it legal to fly a drone operations over people in Australia?

Only if the operator holds CASA OONP approval. Without this certification, flying over or near people is generally prohibited. SA-UAVs hold the required approval to conduct these operations legally and safely. 

What types of projects benefit from OONP-certified drone operations?

OONP approval is commonly required for

  • Overhead filming of public events
  • Close-up film and media productions
  • Active construction and infrastructure sites
  • Live inspections
  • Asset monitoring in public spaces

Any project where people cannot reasonably be excluded from the area may require OONP approval.

Does OONP mean drones can fly anywhere without restrictions?
No. OONP certification allows closer proximity to people, but operations are still subject to

  • Risk assessments
  • Airspace restrictions
  • Site-specific safety controls
  • CASA operating conditions

Safety and compliance always come first.

Is OONP drone work more expensive?
No, even though OONP operations may involve additional planning, safety systems, and approvals, we do not charge additional fees as safety and quality is always our key priority.
Will OONP-certified flights affect insurance or liability?
Using an OONP-certified operator reduces risk, as flights are conducted within CASA’s approved framework. SA-UAVs carry appropriate insurance and follow documented safety procedures for every operation.
How do I know if my project needs OONP approval?
If your project involves people on-site, public access areas, or active workplaces, OONP approval may be required. Simply contact us and we will let you know what approvals are required.