Definition
A category of small unmanned aircraft (drone) operations under 14 CFR Part 107 in which the drone is flown directly above one or more people who are not directly participating in the operation and are not under a covered structure or inside a stationary covered vehicle. These operations are only permitted when the drone meets specific FAA eligibility requirements based on its category (1, 2, 3, or 4), which set limits on weight, kinetic energy on impact, exposed rotating parts, and required safety features.
Plain English
Flying a drone over people who aren't part of the flight. The FAA only allows this when the drone is built and approved to be safe enough to fly above bystanders.
Context Anchor
Seen in small unmanned aircraft, drone, and Part 107 rule discussions, especially when planning flights near crowds, events, sidewalks, parks, or work sites.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures safety by limiting flights over populated areas without proper authorization, reducing risk to people on the ground.
Intuition Check
Do not assume OOP means any flight where people are somewhere nearby. In this context, it means the aircraft is flying over people, or close enough to create a direct risk to them if something goes wrong.
Example Sentence 1
Before filming the outdoor concert, the remote pilot confirmed the drone was certified for Category 2 Operations Over People.
Example Sentence 2
OOP is prohibited in many urban areas without special approval from the FAA.