Why this matters
Drone flights over people in Europe need more than a quick weight check. Pilots should separate involved people, assemblies of people, drone class labels, and local geographical zones before deciding.
Start by separating people from crowds
The question sounds simple, but it hides two different checks. A few involved people on a planned set are not the same as uninvolved bystanders in a square, and neither is the same as a dense crowd where people cannot easily move away.
For practical planning, treat assemblies of people as a hard stop for open-category flights. Then check whether any uninvolved people could be overflown or approached during takeoff, landing, or the planned route.
Drone class and subcategory change the answer
A lightweight or class-marked drone can open more options than a heavier legacy aircraft, but it does not remove every condition. The class label, maximum takeoff weight, low-speed mode, and pilot competency can all affect the distance you must keep.
That is why a generic rule like "under 250 g is always fine" is too loose. The flight area, people nearby, country map, and any local restriction still matter before the final decision.
- identify whether people are involved or uninvolved
- confirm the drone class label, weight, and open subcategory
- check the official geographical zone for the exact place
Plan the route so people are not the emergency plan
A compliant flight plan should not depend on people moving out of the way after the drone is already airborne. Before takeoff, choose a route, altitude, and landing option that keep uninvolved people out of the risk area as much as possible.
The practical workflow is to use the country guide first, verify the official map, identify people on site, and only then decide whether the flight can happen. If the area becomes busy, waiting or changing location is usually the cleaner decision.