Operating Drones Around People and Vehicles

Key Hazards

• A drone or component striking a person
• Propeller contact during takeoff, landing, or recovery
• Falling-object exposure beneath the flight path
• Drivers becoming distracted by a nearby drone
• Unexpected workers or vehicles entering the operating area
• Assuming all Part 107 drones may routinely fly over people

2–3 Minute Talk Script

People on the ground are one of the most important considerations in any workplace drone operation. A small aircraft can still cause cuts, eye injuries, head injuries, vehicle distraction, or falling-object hazards.

The route should be planned to avoid unnecessary flight over workers, visitors, public areas, and occupied vehicles. Moving the launch point or changing the camera angle may eliminate the need to fly over people.

Part 107 does not provide unlimited permission to operate over people or moving vehicles. The aircraft and operation must meet the applicable category, equipment, notice, site, and operating requirements, or an appropriate waiver must be in place.

When practical, the flight area should be controlled with barriers, spotters, signs, radio communication, or temporary pauses in work. Workers should know where the aircraft will operate and which areas must remain clear.

A person directly participating in the drone operation is different from a worker who simply happens to be on the site. The crew should not assume that wearing a hard hat or receiving a general warning makes every person an operational participant.

Moving vehicles create additional risk because drivers may be unable to avoid a falling aircraft and may become distracted by the drone. Sustained flight over moving vehicles is restricted unless specific operating conditions are met.

The pilot and observer should watch continuously for unexpected entry into the flight area. If safe separation cannot be maintained, the aircraft should be redirected or landed immediately.

The safest approach is to design the mission around people rather than expecting people to work around the aircraft without clear controls.

Safety Reminders

• Plan routes that avoid people and occupied vehicles whenever possible.
• Confirm that the aircraft and operation meet applicable requirements.
• Use controlled areas, spotters, or work pauses when needed.
• Do not treat every worker on the site as a flight participant.
• Prevent drivers from being distracted by the operation.
• Watch for unexpected entry into the flight path.
• Redirect or land immediately when safe separation is lost.

Ask the Crew

• Can the mission be completed without flying over people or vehicles?
• Who is directly participating in the drone operation?
• How will the operating area be controlled?
• Does the aircraft qualify for the planned operation over people?
• What will the pilot do if a worker or vehicle enters the route?