Drone Acronyms
What is OOP (Operations Over People) & How Does it Work?
Definition
OOP, or Operations Over People, refers to a set of FAA regulations that allow drones to fly directly over individuals who are not participating in the flight operation, under specific conditions. These rules are detailed in Part 107 Subpart D and outline how drones can safely perform missions above people without requiring waivers, depending on the drone’s weight, design, and risk classification.
Usage
OOP regulations are critical for inspection missions in urban environments, public event monitoring, infrastructure assessments, and emergency response where bystanders may be present. Drones used in OOP must meet specific safety standards—such as category certifications, operational limitations, and, in some cases, Remote ID compliance—to legally conduct flights over uninvolved people.
Relevance to the Industry
The ability to conduct OOP missions expands drone operational flexibility, especially for companies working in dense or populated areas. It eliminates the need for lengthy waiver applications and opens opportunities for real-time inspections, media coverage, public safety assessments, and construction monitoring. OOP also encourages innovation in drone design, with manufacturers producing lighter, safer, and more impact-tolerant aircraft to meet FAA requirements.
How Does OOP (Operations Over People) Work?
Operations Over People (OOP) under FAA regulations work by categorizing drones and missions based on their potential risk to individuals on the ground, ensuring that flights over non-participants are conducted safely and responsibly. Here’s how OOP operations are structured and authorized:
Drone Category Determination
Before conducting OOP, the operator must determine the drone’s category according to FAA criteria:
- Very lightweight drones (≤ 0.55 lbs) with no exposed rotating parts that could cause injury.
- Drones that have demonstrated compliance with kinetic energy limitations and require FAA-accepted Means of Compliance (MOC) and Declaration of Compliance (DOC).
- Drones with an FAA-issued airworthiness certificate similar to manned aircraft requirements.
Compliance with Remote ID Requirements
Most drones operating under OOP must comply with the FAA’s Remote Identification rule, broadcasting key information like drone location, altitude, and operator identification to enhance situational awareness and accountability.
Operational Risk Mitigation
Operators must ensure that drones and flight operations are designed to minimize the risk to people on the ground. This includes verifying structural integrity, safe energy limits on impact, redundancy in flight systems, and adherence to operational restrictions like maximum flight speeds and altitudes.
Flight Conduct and Monitoring
During an OOP mission, the pilot must maintain continuous awareness of airspace and ground activity. If circumstances change (such as large gatherings or new hazards), the operator must adjust the mission to stay compliant—often by rerouting or pausing the operation.
Documentation and Proof of Compliance
Operators must be prepared to provide documentation proving their drone’s category eligibility and compliance with OOP regulations if inspected by the FAA or other authorities. This includes certificates, means of compliance documentation, and Remote ID registration.
By following these structured steps, OOP regulations enable commercial drone pilots to safely conduct inspections, surveys, and monitoring tasks in populated areas, expanding the potential for drones to serve industries like construction, infrastructure management, public safety, and media coverage.
Example in Use
“Thanks to its Category 2 compliance, the inspection drone was authorized for operations over people (OOP) during the downtown bridge survey without needing an additional waiver.”
Frequently Asked Questions about OOP (Operations Over People)
What are the categories for Operations Over People?
Answer:
- Drones weigh 0.55 pounds or less and have no exposed rotating parts that can cause injury.
Heavier drones that must not cause injury exceeding a certain kinetic energy threshold on impact and must meet FAA-accepted Means of Compliance (MOC).
Allows flight over people in restricted operations, such as over assemblies where only brief transit over people occurs.
Drones certified with an airworthiness certificate and subject to maintenance and operational requirements.
Do OOP operations still require Remote ID?
Answer:
Yes drones conducting OOP must comply with the FAA’s Remote Identification (Remote ID) requirements.
Can recreational pilots conduct Operations Over People?
Answer:
No, OOP rules apply to Part 107-certified commercial pilots. Recreational pilots are not authorized to fly over people unless granted a waiver or operating under specific, limited exceptions.
For examples of these acronyms visit our Industries page.
