🇦🇺Australia

You must keep your drone at least 30 meters away from anyone who is not directly involved in operating it.

You must keep your powered model aircraft at least 30 meters away from people who are not involved in the flight. This rule does not apply to someone standing directly behind the aircraft during takeoff, or to judges during a model flying competition.

If you are operating an RPA airship, you must keep it at least 10 meters away horizontally and 30 feet away vertically from people not involved in the flight.

When flying your drone outside of an approved area, you must keep it well clear of populous areas where people are gathered.

When flying your drone outside of an approved aviation area, you must keep it clear of populous areas where people are gathered.

When flying a model aircraft over a crowded or populous area, you must maintain enough altitude so that if a component fails, the aircraft can safely clear the area without causing harm.

You must keep your drone at least 30 meters away from people who are not involved in your flight operation.

If you are flying a very small, small, or medium drone, you can fly as close as 15 meters to a person if they have given you permission.

You must not fly a standard (uncertificated) drone over a populous area unless you are flying high enough that, if a component fails, the drone can safely clear the area without putting people or property at risk.

If your drone is medium-sized or smaller, you can fly as close as 15 meters to a person not involved in the operation, provided they have given you their consent.

The 30-meter separation rule does not apply to someone standing directly behind the drone while it is taking off.

You cannot fly a certified drone over a populous area below the safe clearance height unless you have received prior approval from CASA.

You must not fly a standard (non-certified) drone over a populous area unless you are flying high enough that, if a part fails, the drone can safely clear the area and avoid hitting people or property.

If you want to fly closer than 30m to people without their consent, or closer than 15m with consent, you must hold a ReOC and apply to CASA using their multi-purpose form.

You must obtain approval from CASA before flying a certificated drone over a populous area at a height where a component failure would prevent it from safely clearing the area.

If you are flying a drone airship, you must keep it at least 10 meters away horizontally and 30 feet away vertically from people not involved in the flight.

When applying for a BVLOS approval, you must submit the official application form along with an emergency response plan, SORA documents, a KML file of your flight area, and your RPAS Operations Manual.

You must comply with any safety conditions that CASA places on the operation of your giant model aircraft.

When CASA approves an area for flying, they can attach specific safety rules and conditions that must be followed within that area.

You must be a recognized legal entity (such as an individual or a registered corporation) to apply for a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC); unincorporated groups or non-legal entities are not eligible.

Once CASA sends you the cost estimate for your application, you must pay it within 30 days before it expires.

If you are applying for permission to fly a drone that is registered in a foreign country, you must pay the required unmanned aircraft levy with your application.

Unless you are flying an 'excluded' drone (such as a sub-2kg drone flown commercially under the excluded category rules), you must hold a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC) to conduct drone operations.

If CASA contacts you with feedback or requests an assessment for your ReOC application, you must respond within 30 days or they may close your application.

If you hold a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC), you must obtain written approval from CASA before making any major ('significant') changes to your drone operations or procedures.

Any approval you receive to fly close to people will only be valid for up to 12 months, or until your ReOC expires, whichever comes first.

Certified drone operators must obtain approval from CASA before making any major or 'significant' changes to their operations, such as changing key personnel or operational procedures.

You are not allowed to fly a large drone unless you have obtained official written approval from CASA.

You can submit an application to CASA to have a designated area officially approved for flying drones, model aircraft, or launching rockets.

You are not allowed to fly a large drone (over 150 kg) unless you have received official written approval from CASA.

A Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) can only be issued to a single legal entity; it cannot be held jointly by two or more separate people or entities.

If you hold an RPA operator's certificate (ReOC), you must employ a competent, licensed remote pilot as your chief remote pilot to oversee operations.

You can only fly a giant model aircraft if you follow the rules of an approved model aviation association or have a specific approval from CASA.

CASA can cancel your permission to fly a foreign-registered drone in Australia if it poses a safety risk, if you break aviation laws, or if the drone is modified in an unacceptable way. You will receive a written notice if your permission is revoked.

You can only run a model drone or model airplane flying display if it is done in an approved area under an approved aviation organization's rules, or if you apply to CASA at least 21 days in advance and meet strict safety requirements.

If airspace conditions change after your automated approval is granted, CASA will notify you, your current approval will become invalid, and you must apply again.

When applying for flight approval, you must submit your RPAS Operations Manual along with supporting documents like risk assessments and a KML file showing where you plan to fly.

To get approval to fly a large drone, you must hold a valid large RPA operator certificate and ensure your flight complies with all of its conditions.

If you apply to CASA for an approval under Part 101 (such as for a training course), you must meet all the specific requirements and standards set out in the Part 101 Manual of Standards (MOS).

To apply for, change, or renew a ReOC, you must download, fill out, and submit CASA Form 101-02 along with your supporting documents.

To renew or amend a permit to operate a foreign-registered drone in Australia, you must submit an application following the same process as a new application, which can be done before or after the current permit expires.

To get a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC), your business must have a safe organizational structure, qualified staff, proper equipment, written procedures (including maintenance), and a designated chief remote pilot and maintenance controller.

A model aircraft display must either be held at an approved area under an approved organisation's rules, or meet CASA's notification route: at least 21 days before, an organiser must be nominated and must give CASA their contact details, the flying program, the location and field size, and expected spectator numbers and positions. Any conditions CASA sets also apply. Breaking this is a strict liability offence.

You can apply for a ReOC through an approved industry delegate instead of CASA, but only if your drone weighs 150 kg or less and is used for basic operations.

Once CASA checks your BVLOS application, they will send you a fee estimate. You must pay this fee within 30 days to proceed with the assessment.

If you are a certified drone operator (ReOC holder) and make a minor, non-significant change to your details (such as your address, email, or the types of drones you operate), you must notify CASA in writing within 21 days.

If you want to fly FPV for work or business, you must apply to CASA for an EVLOS or BVLOS flight approval.

Once you submit your EVLOS application, CASA will send you a fee estimate that is valid for 30 days. You must pay this fee before they will begin assessing your application.

If CASA contacts you with feedback or requests an onsite assessment, you must respond within 30 days or they may close your application.

You are only allowed to fly a large drone (over 150 kg) if it has been issued a special certificate of airworthiness (restricted category) or an experimental certificate.

You cannot fly a foreign-registered drone in Australia unless you apply to CASA, pay the fee, receive written permission, and follow all conditions and local aviation laws.

If CASA asks for feedback or requires an onsite assessment for your EVLOS application, you must respond within 30 days or they may close your application.

Expect the approval process for flying multiple drones simultaneously to take several months after you pay the application fee.

Many national parks and commercial forests require you to apply for a permit before you can fly. Always check local state or territory rules before taking off.

To get an automated airspace approval, your chief remote pilot must register with a CASA-verified app, and you must submit your flight request through the app up to 30 days before you fly.

You are only allowed to fly a large drone (over 150 kg) if it has been issued either a special certificate of airworthiness (restricted category) or an experimental certificate.

When applying for a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC) in Australia, you must provide CASA with details about your organization, staff (specifically your chief remote pilot and maintenance controller), equipment, procedures, and proposed drone operations.

When planning your operations, keep in mind that CASA can take up to 70 days to process and assess your flight approval application after you pay the fee.

Once CASA sends you a fee estimate for your ReOC, you have 30 days to pay it. Expect the entire application process to take up to 70 business days.

If you are operating in a trial area, you can use an approved, CASA-verified drone safety app to quickly apply for automated airspace authorization.

To apply to fly multiple drones at once, you must submit the RPAS multi-purpose form along with your operations manual, a concept of operations (CONOPS), risk assessments, and a KML file showing your flight area.

CASA's fee estimates are only valid for 30 days. You must also respond to any feedback or requests from CASA within 30 days, or they may close your application.

To apply for a flight approval or permission, you must download, complete, and submit CASA Form 101-09.

To fly FPV outdoors for fun, you must either join an approved model aircraft club (like the MAAA) or apply for a specific FPV approval directly from CASA.

You cannot continue flying under a flight approval or permission once it has expired; you must wait until it is renewed.

To apply for an EVLOS approval, you must download and complete the official application form and submit it via email along with your RPAS Operations Manual and EVLOS procedures.

You cannot conduct EVLOS flights if your approval has expired. To renew it, you must submit the EVLOS application form and pay the renewal fee.

If CASA asks you to make changes to your BVLOS application or schedule an onsite assessment, you must respond within 30 days or they may close your request.

If CASA contacts you with feedback or requests an onsite assessment during the application review, you must respond within 30 days or they may close your application.

You must hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) that covers the drone you fly, unless the drone is an 'excluded RPA' under regulation 101.237 (for example, a very small RPA flown in standard RPA operating conditions). Flying without one is a strict liability offence.

To get your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) in Australia, you must pass a theory exam, complete practical training or a flight test for your drone category, and log at least 5 hours of flying experience under standard conditions.

When applying for a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), you must provide CASA with written details of your aviation experience, any pilot or radio licences you hold, exams you have passed, and proof of completing an approved drone training course.

Once you pass your drone licence training, your training school will submit the official licence application to CASA on your behalf.

Children under 16 do not need their own drone accreditation or licence to fly an excluded or micro RPA, as long as they are supervised by an adult (18 or older) who holds a valid accreditation or Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

A drone pilot cannot use a first-person view (FPV) headset or screen while also acting as the visual observer for an EVLOS flight.

After your licence is approved, you can download a digital copy of your RePL to your phone's digital wallet using the myCASA portal.

CASA has the authority to suspend or cancel your drone accreditation if you fly carelessly, break the rules, endanger people or property, or no longer meet the basic eligibility requirements.

If your remote pilot licence (RePL) is suspended by CASA, it becomes temporarily invalid and you cannot fly drones under the privileges of that licence during the suspension period.

Before flying EVLOS, pilots must have the required VLOS flight experience, be trained and certified by their operator, and have passed a proficiency check within the last 12 months (or 24 months if they have flown at least 3 EVLOS flights per year).

If CASA suspends your remote pilot licence (RePL) due to safety risks, you are not allowed to operate as a licensed remote pilot while the suspension is active.

If you are flying an excluded drone or micro drone, you must show your accreditation, remote pilot licence (RePL), or a copy of it, if asked by CASA, the Australian Federal Police, or state/territory police.

You are only allowed to fly one drone at a time under standard operating conditions.

If you are supervising someone (especially under 16 years old) flying an excluded or micro drone, you must show your drone accreditation, remote pilot licence (RePL), or a copy of it, if asked by police or an authorized official.

A small drone (2 to 25 kg) counts as an 'excluded RPA' if it is flown by or for its owner, over land the owner owns or occupies, in standard operating conditions, for spotting, photography, farming, communications relay, carrying cargo or similar work, and nobody is paid for it. You then do not need a remote pilot licence, but you do need a CASA accreditation (or a RePL).

An accreditation belongs to one person. Two or more people cannot hold one jointly.

A very small drone (under 2 kg) flown in standard operating conditions counts as an 'excluded RPA'. You do not need a remote pilot licence to fly it, but you do need a CASA accreditation (or a RePL).

To fly an excluded drone or a micro drone you must hold either a CASA accreditation or a remote pilot licence (RePL). Breaking this is a strict liability offence. A child under 16 may fly one without either if supervised by an adult (18 or over) who holds one.

Unless you are flying an 'excluded' drone (such as a very small commercial drone or flying on your own land under certain conditions), you must hold a valid Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) to operate a drone.

You can only hand over control of a drone during an EVLOS flight to another pilot who is fully qualified for EVLOS, and you must follow your operator's approved handover procedures.

Visual observers during EVLOS flights must focus solely on their observation duties and cannot monitor more than one drone or pilot at a time without written CASA approval.

Individual remote pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and fly under a certified RPA operator to get approval for BVLOS flights.

Observers can use binoculars or telescopes to help them spot hazards, but they must primarily rely on their own unaided eyes to monitor the airspace and ground.

Before you can get your drone licence (RePL), you must sign up for a myCASA account and apply for an Aviation Reference Number (ARN).

A medium drone (25 kg to 150 kg) is considered 'excluded' if it is flown by a licensed pilot on the owner's land under standard conditions for non-commercial purposes (like farming) with no payment involved.

You are not allowed to fly more than one drone at the same time unless you have a specific approval from CASA to do so.

If you hold a remote pilot licence (RePL), you cannot fly above 400 feet in controlled airspace or within 3 nautical miles of a controlled airport unless you have a qualification like an aeronautical radio operator certificate (AROC) or a flight crew licence.

You must comply with any personal direction from CASA requiring you to hold a radio qualification, monitor specific frequencies, and make radio broadcasts while operating a drone.

You can fly a micro drone in a controlled airport's no-fly zone, but you must stay completely outside the airport boundary and away from runway approach and departure paths.

You are prohibited from flying any recreational model aircraft weighing more than 250 grams inside a controlled airport's no-fly zone.

If a manned aircraft is within 3 nautical miles and 1,500 feet of your EVLOS flight, you or a trained observer must use a VHF radio to broadcast your position or communicate directly with the pilot to prevent any hazard.

If you fly a drone in controlled airspace, you must follow all the specific rules and requirements written in the Part 101 Manual of Standards.

You cannot fly your drone higher than 400 feet in controlled airspace unless you are in an officially approved drone flying area and have received clearance from Air Traffic Control.

If you are flying a drone (other than a very small drone) in controlled airspace, you must hold an aeronautical radio qualification, monitor the correct radio frequency, and make required radio broadcasts.

If your flight approval requires you to issue a NOTAM, you must fill out the Airservices NOTAM request form. Submit it directly to Airservices Australia if you are authorized, or to CASA if you are not.

You are permitted to fly a drone within an airport's no-fly zone as long as the flight takes place entirely indoors.

You must not fly your drone in or over a prohibited or restricted airspace unless you have obtained permission from the controlling authority and comply with any conditions they set.

You must comply with any CASA direction that restricts the operation of a specific drone or drone type to pilots who hold a radio qualification and use aeronautical radio as directed.

If you are flying EVLOS in controlled airspace, you must comply with all standard regulations, CASA approvals, and get permission from the local air traffic control service.

Do not fly your drone over crowded areas like beaches or parks, in prohibited or restricted airspace, or within 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) of a controlled airport.

If you are flying a drone (other than a very small drone) in controlled airspace, you must hold an aeronautical radio qualification (such as an AROC), monitor the correct radio frequency, and make regular broadcasts with your flight details.

You cannot fly a drone within the no-fly zone of a controlled airport (which generally includes the area within 3 nautical miles of the runways and runway approach/departure paths) unless you meet specific exceptions.

Certified operators conducting tethered flights in an airport no-fly zone must use a tether under 150 feet, fly no higher than 150 feet above airport elevation, notify Air Traffic Control before takeoff, and follow all ATC instructions.

You can fly a model aircraft weighing 250 grams or less in a controlled airport's no-fly zone, as long as you do not cross the airport boundary or enter runway approach and departure paths.

If CASA directs you personally to hold a radio qualification and use an aeronautical radio while flying a drone, you must comply with that direction.

If CASA issues a direction requiring radio qualifications and radio use for a specific type of drone, you must comply with those requirements when flying that drone.

Before taking off, use a CASA-approved drone safety app to check for any flight restrictions, local rules, or nearby airports.

You must submit your NOTAM request at least 48 hours before your flight, and it must be sent during business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, Canberra time).

If emergency services are active nearby, do not fly your drone unless you have received explicit permission from the emergency agency in charge.

Before you fly, you should download and use an official CASA-verified drone safety app to check for flight restrictions and no-fly zones in your area.

If you are flying a drone, you must show its registration certificate (or a copy of it) if asked by CASA, the Australian Federal Police, or state/territory police.

Your drone's registration is valid for exactly 12 months from the day you register it, unless it is cancelled earlier.

If you are supervising someone else flying a drone, you must show the drone's registration certificate (or a copy) if requested by an authorized officer or police.

Before you fly a very small, small, or medium excluded drone for the first time, you must register it online using your myCASA account. This registration serves as the required notification to CASA.

To register your drone in Australia, you must be at least 16 years old, have a myCASA account with an Aviation Reference Number (ARN), and know your drone's details like its serial number and weight.

You can only fly an unregistered drone for a test flight if you strictly follow the specific test flight rules and conditions set out in this chapter.

When registering your drone, you must verify your identity by providing one accepted document, such as a passport or birth certificate.

If your contact or identification details change, you must update them in your myCASA account within 21 days.

When applying to register your drone, you must pay the required unmanned aircraft levy if one is applicable.

If you make a major (unacceptable) modification to your registered drone, you must not fly it until you have registered the drone again in its newly modified form.

Drones that are already registered in a foreign country do not need to be registered in Australia, as long as you follow the specific permission and operating rules.

You must be at least 16 years old to register a drone with CASA.

Drone registration rules apply to all micro, very small, small, and medium drones, unless CASA has issued a specific exemption for that drone or class of drone.

You must not fly a drone that is legally required to be registered unless it is registered with CASA.

If you fly a drone or model aircraft in Australia that is registered in another country, you must comply with any specific rules for foreign-registered aircraft set out in the Part 101 Manual of Standards.

If you are supervising a child under 16 flying a drone, that drone must be registered if registration is legally required for it.

If you are flying an unregistered drone for a test flight (such as for development, repair, or maintenance), you must follow all specific test flight rules and requirements listed in the Part 101 Manual of Standards.

If you use your drone for work, registration is free if it weighs 500 g or less, but costs $40 if it weighs more than 500 g.

If your drone is required to be registered, you must clearly display either its manufacturer serial number or its CASA registration mark on or inside the drone (such as in an easily opened battery compartment) so it can be easily inspected.

If you make minor, acceptable modifications to your registered drone, your existing registration remains valid for that drone in its modified state, but it cannot be used for any other aircraft.

If your drone is already registered in another country, you cannot register it in Australia. Instead, you must apply for permission to fly it in Australia using the online myCASA portal.

When CASA approves your drone registration, they will record its details (such as serial number, manufacturer, model, and your contact info) in the official register and issue you a registration certificate.

If you run a business, you should apply for an organisation ARN so that other staff members can log in and manage or register drones on behalf of the company.

You must be able to show your drone's registration certificate if asked by a CASA representative or a police officer.

You can register your drone online, and the registration will be valid for 12 months. You must be at least 16 years old to register a drone.

The Chief Remote Instructor must make sure all drone flight instructors are properly trained, regularly tested for competency, and kept up-to-date with their skills.

Training schools must limit class sizes to a maximum of 10 students per instructor for theory and general practical sessions, and a maximum of 3 students per instructor when students are actually flying the drones.

To pass the practical part of your drone licence course, you must show your instructor you can perform all required flight maneuvers within set limits and then pass a formal flight test.

If you pass your drone theory exam but get some questions wrong (scoring between 85% and 99%), the training school must give you a written report showing which topics you missed.

If you are upgrading your RePL to a medium or large drone of a different category (such as moving from multirotor to aeroplane), you must complete training and pass exams for that new category, unless you already hold an equivalent manned aircraft pilot licence.

To get your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), you must pass a supervised theory exam covering aeronautical knowledge.

If you fail the RePL theory exam three times, you must retake the theory training course and wait at least 14 days before you can try taking the exam a fourth time.

The theory exam you take to add a new drone category to your license must follow strict rules set by the training school regarding test security, passing grades, and record keeping.

Drone training schools must provide you with at least 15 hours of direct contact time (either in-person or live online) with an instructor for the theory part of the RePL course.

You must personally complete and submit a declaration to CASA confirming you took the exam yourself and promising not to share any of the test questions.

Your drone accreditation is valid for up to 3 years. It will end earlier (the day after) if you are granted a full Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

If you fly a drone for educational, training, or research purposes at a recognized school or institution, CASA treats your flight as recreational, meaning commercial drone rules do not apply.

If general English language proficiency is assessed during your RePL training course, the assessment must be conducted by an authorized examiner.

During your practical flight test, you must demonstrate how to handle a loss of command and control link according to your operator's official procedures.

A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) training course must include training and testing on the specific aeronautical knowledge units required for your category of drone.

The exam must be taken in one sitting. The time limit is calculated by adding 15 minutes to the total number of questions (for example, 75 minutes for a 60-question exam).

A student's training course is not officially complete until the training school notifies CASA that the completion certificate has been issued.

To successfully complete your online exam for a drone accreditation, you must meet all the specific requirements set out in section 15.05 of the Manual of Standards.

Your training school must give you your exam results and score in writing within one week of you taking the test.

Training schools must supervise exams to ensure students do not cheat, use unapproved materials, or get help from anyone during the test.

EVLOS Class 1 flights require at least a Class 1 trained observer, whereas EVLOS Class 2 flights require a Class 2 trained observer, both of whom must be certified by the operator.

If bad weather or other conditions make it impossible to test a specific flight skill, your instructor must have you explain it orally or use a simulator, and they must write a formal note explaining why the real test could not happen.

If you are training for a manual drone licence (RePL), your practical training must cover both manual and automated flight modes. If you only want an automated licence, you only need to train in automated mode.

Your practical flight training for a RePL must be conducted with an instructor who is physically there with you, not online or remote.

Training schools must keep drone pilot exam questions secret and ensure students do not copy, photograph, or keep any exam papers or questions after finishing.

When upgrading your medium or large drone license to a different category, you must complete training and pass an exam on the specific knowledge units for that new drone category.

If you are upgrading your drone license (RePL) to fly a medium or large drone, your practical training and flight test must be completed on the exact type of medium or large drone you want to be licensed for.

If weather or other conditions make it impossible to test a specific flight variable during your drone exam, your instructor must have you complete a computer simulation or give a detailed oral explanation instead, and document why the live test was not possible.

You must be at least 16 years old before you can take the CASA online training course or exam for drone accreditation.

When submitting an accreditation declaration to CASA, you must submit it yourself online through the CASA portal, unless CASA has approved another method in writing.

During your flight test for a powered-lift drone, you must fly a figure-8 pattern at a constant altitude, ensuring the crossover point is directly in front of you and both loops are of equal size.

To act as an examiner for small or very small drones, you must be a qualified RePL training instructor (or authorized by the Chief Remote Pilot Instructor), be officially named as an examiner in the operator's procedures, and meet the required experience levels.

To get accredited to fly excluded or micro drones, you must be at least 16 years old, complete CASA's online training, and pass their online exam.

Before a flight instructor can be authorized to test students (act as an examiner), the Chief Remote Instructor must verify that they meet all the official qualification requirements for that size of drone.

Starting July 10, 2024, all drone training schools must employ a qualified Chief RePL Instructor (CRI) approved by CASA.

If you share or use material from the online accreditation course or exam, you must follow any rules the Part 101 Manual of Standards sets for that. Breaking them is an offence.

When taking the online accreditation course or exam, you must follow any rules the Part 101 Manual of Standards sets, including rules against cheating. Breaking them is an offence.

You must show that you can properly execute the lost control link procedure during your practical test for a powered-lift drone.

To fly a micro drone (under 250g) or an excluded drone (such as a drone under 2kg flown commercially) in Australia, you must apply to CASA in writing to get your operator accreditation.

During a practical test for a powered-lift drone, you must demonstrate that you can trim the aircraft to fly straight and level at a constant height and heading for about 10 seconds.

Automatically designating your chief remote pilot as the chief remote pilot instructor (CRI) for a training school is not considered a 'significant change' and does not require CASA's prior written approval.

To upgrade your medium or large drone license, you must pass a practical flight test conducted by an authorized examiner.

If you are getting a licence to fly a medium or large drone, your practical training and testing must be done on the exact model of drone you are seeking the licence for.

To teach a RePL training course, instructors must hold a RePL for the specific drone type, be employed by the training school, and have at least 20 hours of non-training operational flying experience in that drone category.

If you are training for more than one type of drone category at the same time, the school must add 4 extra hours of instructor contact time for each additional category on top of the base 15 hours.

To upgrade your drone license so you can fly drones weighing 7 kg or more (up to 25 kg) in the same category, you must pass a practical flight test with an examiner.

To upgrade your RePL from a small drone to a medium or large drone of the same type, you must pass a practical flight test with an examiner.

The RePL theory exam is closed-book. You cannot use course materials, but you are allowed to refer to official online documents published by CASA or Airservices Australia.

A training school cannot issue a course completion certificate until the student has passed the theory exam, practical assessments, flight test, and corrected any knowledge gaps.

To upgrade your medium or large drone license to a different category, you must complete practical training and be assessed as competent in the specific flight skills for that new category.

When upgrading your RePL to a medium or large drone of a different category, you must complete practical training, be assessed as competent in the new category's practical units, and pass a flight test with an examiner.

Drone training schools must provide students with a way to experience or simulate all required flight conditions and variables specified in the practical training syllabus.

If your single-rotor drone has a 'return to home' fail-safe feature, you must demonstrate during your practical test that it can successfully return to the designated spot along the planned path.

If you fail your RePL flight test, you cannot retake it until you complete the extra training specified in writing by your examiner.

If CASA believes your drone accreditation poses a serious safety risk, they can suspend it immediately. While suspended, you are treated as not holding an accreditation and cannot fly under it.

When applying for your first drone licence (RePL), you must complete the general practical training units as well as the specific units for your type of drone (such as multirotor or aeroplane).

If you want to add a new category of small drone to your license (like switching from multirotor to fixed-wing), you must take training and pass a theory exam on the specific rules for that new category, unless you already hold an equivalent traditional pilot license.

You must take the online accreditation exam yourself without any help from others, and you must achieve the required passing score.

You must score at least 85% to pass the RePL theory exam.

If you are upgrading your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) from a small drone to a medium or large drone of the same type, and it is your first time flying a liquid-fuel drone, you must complete specific liquid-fuel training and pass the exams and practical tests.

To pass your RePL training course, your practical flight test must meet the specific standards set out in Schedule 6 of the regulations.

If you are taking a practical test for a powered-lift drone, you must be able to launch it to above eye level and hold a steady hover for 10 seconds.

To pass your RePL flight test, you must prove your knowledge during an oral Q&A session and demonstrate your flying skills within the strict limits set out in the standards.

To successfully complete your online training for a drone accreditation, you must meet all the specific requirements set out in section 15.04 of the Manual of Standards.

If you are upgrading your drone license to fly a liquid-fueled drone for the first time, you must complete specific training and prove your skills with liquid-fuel systems.

If you are flying a medium or large drone powered by liquid fuel, you must check the fuel levels before takeoff and ensure you have enough fuel plus a safe reserve to complete your flight.

A small drone (2 kg to 25 kg) is considered 'excluded' if you are flying it under standard conditions solely to get the flight hours needed for a licence, or to practice on a new category of drone.

If you are training for a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) on a medium or large drone with innovative technology, you must be assessed as competent in the specific practical units and modes (automated or manual) required for that drone.

When applying for a drone accreditation, you must complete all of the online training yourself. You must also personally fill out and submit a declaration to CASA confirming that you completed the training.

Any drone you fly is considered 'excluded' if you are flying it strictly to receive training from a certified flight school and you follow their official training procedures.

If you are applying for your first Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), your training course must cover all the common knowledge units required for all drone categories.

To get your operator accreditation, you must pass an online safety quiz with a score of 85% or higher.

If you already have a manned pilot licence, you can skip the general drone theory exam, but you must still provide proof to a training provider, pass RPA-specific tests, and log 5 hours of drone flight time.

To get a ReOC, your designated Chief Remote Pilot must pass an assessment with CASA to prove they understand the operational and safety requirements.

If you are flying a drone for business under the excluded category, CASA requires you to get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). You may need to apply for an organisation ARN specifically for your business rather than using a personal one.

Getting your operator accreditation is free and completed online. Once obtained, it is valid for 3 years before you need to renew it.

You can renew your operator accreditation online through your myCASA account up to 30 days before its expiration date.

If required by the Part 101 Manual of Standards, drone operators must keep operational records and provide information to CASA. Failing to comply with these requirements is a strict liability offence.

If you run RePL training courses, you must keep detailed records of applicants, exams, and flight tests for 7 years after the course finishes.

If you fly a drone weighing between 2 kg and 25 kg over your own land for business purposes without a RePL/ReOC, you must maintain the required operational records.

You must keep your drone's technical logbook for at least 7 years after the last time you fly it.

You must sign and date the test flight record as soon as possible after the flight is finished.

If CASA asks in writing, you must provide them with a clear copy of the test flight record.

Before flying, certified drone operators (ReOC holders) must create a detailed operational release record containing flight details, pilot info, and aircraft serviceability, unless they are the sole pilot for the operator.

If you operate a medium excluded drone (25 kg to 150 kg) over your own land, you must keep a technical and maintenance log for that drone for 7 years.

If you fly a medium-sized excluded drone (25 kg to 150 kg) over your own land, you must keep a pilot log of your flight times and locations for 3 years.

If CASA requests it in writing, you must provide a copy of your drone's technical logbook as soon as possible.

If CASA asks in writing, you must provide them with a copy of your drone's technical logbook as soon as possible.

You must keep all RePL training course and exam records for at least 7 years.

If you sell or transfer your drone, you must provide the technical logbook to the new operator if they request it in writing, prove they are the new owner, and pay reasonable costs for preparing the log.

If you sell or transfer your medium excluded drone, you must provide the technical logbook to the new owner if they request it in writing, prove they are the new owner, and pay reasonable costs for preparing the log.

If you operate a small or medium excluded drone, you must ensure the pilot logs details of each flight—including location, maximum height, drone ID, pilot name/ARN, and drone serviceability—as soon as possible after landing.

Your pilot logbook must record the drone's type, model, unique ID, and the date, location, and duration of every flight.

If your drone weighs more than 25 kg, you must track and record the individual operating times for its engines, motors, rotors, and propellers in the technical log.

You or your employer must keep the test flight record safe and accessible for at least 3 years.

You cannot share the test flight record with anyone except CASA, unless the drone owner agrees or you are legally required to do so.

Certified drone operators must keep pilot flight logs for at least 7 years after the drone's final flight.

You cannot start a drone flight until the operational release record has been approved by an authorized person within your organization.

If you are a certified drone operator (ReOC holder), your chief remote pilot must keep copies of all job safety assessments, risk management plans, and operational flight plans for at least 7 years.

Certified drone operators must maintain a technical logbook for their drones, recording details like flight hours, maintenance schedules, and completed repairs.

Certified drone operators must keep all operational release records for at least 7 years after the flight is completed.

You do not need to record the VLOS/BVLOS status or flight segment heights in your log if your drone weighs less than 2 kg and was flown within visual line of sight.

Certified drone operators must keep all pilot flight logs for at least 7 years after the drone's final flight.

You must keep operational logs for 7 years. You can combine the operational release and operational log into one document.

ReOC holders must keep operational release records for 7 years, unless they are the only pilot flying under the ReOC.

If you are a certified drone operator running RePL training, you must ensure your Chief Remote Pilot Instructor keeps detailed records of all courses, student exams, and flight tests.

If your drone weighs more than 2 kg, you must record its maintenance schedule, all maintenance performed, and any repairs of faulty equipment in its technical log.

If you keep drone flight or maintenance logs electronically, the files must be saved in a format that cannot be edited after they are saved. If you make a mistake, you must log a new entry that explains and corrects the error rather than editing the original.

If you are a certified drone operator, you must ensure that all of your remote pilots keep a logbook to track their total flight hours.

Certified drone operators must ensure their Chief Remote Instructor (CRI) keeps records proving they are properly performing their duties, and these records must be kept for 7 years.

Operators must keep their pilots' flight logs for at least 3 years after the drone's final flight.

If you operate a medium excluded drone (25kg to 150kg), you must keep a technical logbook detailing the drone's identification, flight hours, and maintenance history.

If you employ safety staff (such as ground crew or observers) who obtain a qualification, you must record it and give them a copy before they start performing those duties.

You must keep your drone's flight logs for at least 3 years after the last time you fly that specific drone.

If you operate a medium excluded drone (25kg to 150kg), you must ensure your pilots keep a logbook of their flight hours.

You must keep your drone's technical logbook for at least 7 years after the last time you fly that drone.

If a student fails a flight test, the training school must keep a copy of the written additional training requirements in their records.

You must keep qualification and competency records for your safety-related staff for at least 7 years after they stop working for you.

If CASA sends you a written request explaining why they need operational information about your registered drone for safety reasons, you must provide that information as soon as possible.

After conducting a test flight, you must write down a record containing details like the drone's serial number, owner info, flight time and location, reason for the test, and any incidents that happened.

If you conduct drone training other than standard RePL courses, your chief remote pilot must keep detailed records of the trainees, dates, and outcomes for at least 7 years.

If you are a certified drone operator, you must ensure your remote pilot in command fills out a flight log with details like flight times, locations, pilot names, and drone ID as soon as possible after landing.

Your pilot logbook must include details for each flight, including the drone's model and ID, flight date, location, duration, and separate tallies for night, VLOS, EVLOS, BVLOS, and simulator flights.

As a Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) for a licensed operator (ReOC), you are responsible for making sure all drone operations are legal, keeping track of your pilots' qualifications and flying skills, and maintaining an up-to-date library of your operational manuals.

If you conduct test flights under CASA instrument 63/21 (such as after maintenance or repair), you must keep a log of each flight for at least 3 years.

If you operate or plan to operate a drone, you must keep records and provide information to CASA as required by the Part 101 Manual of Standards. Failing to do so is a strict liability offence.

If you employ crew members like safety observers or tether operators, you must keep their training records for 7 years after they stop working for your company.

You must keep a log of your flight times, drone details, and flight conditions (such as night or BVLOS operations) for at least 7 years.

If you fly a small or medium excluded drone over your own land, you must keep an operational log of your flights for 3 years.

You must keep a technical log for your drone for 7 years. If your drone weighs more than 2 kg, this log must include detailed maintenance schedules, repairs, and serviceability sign-offs.

ReOC holders must keep Chief Remote Pilot duty records (such as safety assessments, flight plans, and training logs) for 7 years.

When setting up night operations, you must document your procedures. You can either use CASA's pre-approved sample manual template with Instrument 01/17 attached, or submit your own custom procedures for approval.

You must give a copy of your operations manual to your remote pilots, relevant staff, and CASA, and make sure it is easily accessible to any other crew members.

If you are running an EVLOS Class 2 operation, your official procedures manual must explain how the pilot will handle communication failures with the observer or what to do if the observer loses track of the drone.

To get a BVLOS approval, your organization's operations manual and procedures must fully cover and comply with the Chapter 5 standards.

Your operations manual must include a clear statement requiring all pilots and crew members to follow the procedures outlined in the document.

You must submit copies of all your drone operation manuals to CASA when applying for a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC).

If you are a certified drone operator (ReOC holder), you must provide written procedures and practices to guide your remote pilots and other operational staff.

To conduct Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) operations, drone operators must have documented procedures approved by CASA that detail how they comply with EVLOS rules.

You must follow the documented practices and procedures of your certified RPA operator when conducting flights in these areas.

Your drone operations manual must include all the necessary instructions and safety procedures for every type of drone you operate.

You must update your operations manual whenever there are changes to your drones, equipment, how you operate, or based on lessons learned from experience.

As a certified drone operator, you must strictly follow the operational procedures and manuals documented for your organization.

The operator's manual must have clear procedures for what to do if you lose control of the drone during an EVLOS flight, ensuring you can either regain control or terminate the flight safely.

A drone operator's manual and procedures must not conflict with the official rules for BVLOS/EVLOS operations. If there is a conflict, the official rules win, and the operator must update their manual immediately.

When you update your operations manual, you must send the approved changes or make them available to your pilots, staff, and CASA.

To perform maintenance on a large drone (over 150 kg) or its parts, you must either hold a valid airworthiness authority for that work or be supervised by someone who does.

Certified drone operators must have a designated, competent maintenance controller (either an internal employee or an external contractor) to manage aircraft maintenance.

If you make major modifications to your foreign-registered drone after getting permission, you cannot fly it until you apply for and receive a new permission from CASA.

If you operate a large drone (over 150 kg), it must be maintained to the same regulatory standards as a Class B manned aircraft.

If you operate a large drone, it must be maintained to the same regulatory standards as a Class B manned aircraft.

Anyone carrying out maintenance on a large drone must follow any written instructions or directions issued by CASA for that drone or its category.

Anyone who carries out maintenance on a large drone must follow any written instructions or directions issued by CASA.

To perform maintenance on a large drone (over 150 kg) or its components, you must either hold a valid airworthiness authority for that work or be supervised by someone who does.

If your drone is registered and has been modified since registration, you must follow any extra requirements the Part 101 Manual of Standards sets for flying it. Breaking them is a strict liability offence.

For EVLOS Class 2 flights, the observer can be in a different location than the pilot, but they must stay in constant voice contact using a reliable radio or communication system.

You cannot fly your drone out of your sight unless you have a specific BVLOS approval from CASA and follow all its rules.

For EVLOS Class 1 flights, the visual observer must stand next to the pilot and talk directly to them without using radios or phones.

During an EVLOS Class 2 flight, if you lose contact with your observer, you must immediately switch to your backup communication system. If the observer loses sight or awareness of the drone, you must immediately bring the drone back to visual line of sight or land it safely.

During Class 2 EVLOS flights, pilots and observers must have a backup communication system ready to use immediately if the primary system fails.

Before starting an Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) flight, the operator must brief all pilots and visual observers on emergency and collision avoidance procedures.

To operate a drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in Australia, you must be a certified RPA operator holding a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC).

To fly EVLOS, both the pilot and observers must meet private driver's license vision standards, and the weather visibility must be at least 5,000 meters.

If visibility drops below 5,000 meters during an EVLOS flight, you must end the flight and land the drone as soon as it is safe to do so.

During EVLOS flights, you must maintain reliable control and communication links, and the drone must stay within 1,500 meters of the observer (or closer if needed for the observer to do their job).

You must fly your drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) unless you have passed specific aviation theory exams and hold (or fly under an operator who holds) an official beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) approval.

If your operation is classified as SAIL I or II, you likely will not need to undergo an onsite operational check by CASA.

You must be able to see and control your drone with your own eyes. You can wear prescription glasses or contacts, but you cannot use binoculars or telescopes to meet the line-of-sight requirement.

You must only fly your model aircraft when the weather and visibility are clear enough for you to keep eyes on it at all times.

When operating in these prescribed areas, you must keep the drone within your direct visual line of sight at all times.

You can fly FPV indoors for fun without needing any permission from CASA, as long as the drone is completely contained inside the building.

You must keep your drone within your direct physical line of sight at all times during the flight, without using binoculars or screens to watch it.

You must keep your drone within your direct line of sight at all times so you can see, orient, and navigate it to avoid collisions.

If you fly a drone or model plane for sport or fun, it must weigh 150 kg or less and not carry any people to be classified as a model aircraft.

The drone operating rules in Subpart 101.F apply to very small, small, medium, and large drones. They do not apply to model aircraft or micro drones.

Drones operated by schools or universities for educational or research purposes must weigh 7 kg or less to be classified and operated as model aircraft.

To fly a drone at night under a ReOC, you must document your procedures. You can do this easily by using CASA's sample operations manual template and attaching CASA Instrument 01/17, or you can write your own procedures and apply for custom approval.

To fly EVLOS at night, the operator must hold a specific night operations approval from CASA and comply with all of its conditions.

You are only allowed to fly a model aircraft at night if you follow the official written procedures of an approved aviation administration organisation.

You cannot fly your drone at night, in or into clouds, or in poor visibility conditions unless you have a specific regulatory permission, an air traffic control clearance, or an official CASA approval.

Before flying at night, you must train and test your pilots, keep records of this training, and perform a risk assessment.

You cannot fly a drone higher than 400 feet above ground level within 3 nautical miles (about 5.5 km) of an airfield unless you have specific permission or authorization.

When applying to fly near an airport, you must provide your contact details, the date, time, duration, and location of the flight, and how many drones you will be flying.

If you are flying near a non-controlled airport or helicopter pad and realize a manned aircraft is nearby, you must immediately fly away from its path, land safely, and do not take off if you are still on the ground.

You must never fly your drone in a way that blocks or creates an obstacle for manned aircraft taking off or landing at an airport.

You cannot fly a drone in the no-fly zone of a non-controlled airport or helicopter landing site if a manned aircraft is operating in that airspace, unless you meet specific exceptions like flying indoors or flying a micro drone.

If you need permission to fly your drone near an airport, you must get it from Air Traffic Control (ATC) if the airport is controlled, or from CASA if it is uncontrolled.

If you are granted permission to fly near an airport, you must strictly follow all safety conditions attached to that permission.

You must not fly your drone over airport runways, taxiways, or runway approach and departure paths without official permission.

If you are a certified operator flying a tethered drone near a non-controlled airport, your tether must be 150 feet or shorter, you cannot fly higher than 150 feet above the airport's elevation, and you must stay within designated geographical boundaries.

You must not alter, hide, or interfere with your drone's built-in electronic identification during flight unless you have written permission from CASA.

You must not drop or spray anything from your drone if it could pose a danger to other aircraft, people, or property.

State environmental laws protect marine life; you must stay at least 100 meters away from marine mammals in NSW and 300 meters away in South Australia.

Do not fly your drone over emergency situations, such as car crashes, bushfires, or police operations, unless you have explicit permission from the emergency commander.

If you are flying FPV as an MAAA member, you are only allowed to do so at flying fields that have been officially approved by CASA.

You must not fly your drone higher than 400 feet above ground level outside an approved aviation area unless you have official approval from CASA.

You cannot fly your drone higher than 400 feet above ground level outside of a designated approved area unless you have official approval from CASA.

If you fly a model aircraft outside an approved area and higher than 400 feet above ground level, you must keep it within your visual line of sight and stay clear of populous areas.

You must only fly your drone during daylight hours and keep it at or below 400 feet (approximately 120 meters) above the ground.

You must not fly your drone higher than 400 feet (about 120 meters) above ground level unless you are flying in an officially approved area for your type of drone and follow its conditions, or have another specific permission.

If this is your organisation's first BVLOS application, you will likely need to demonstrate a BVLOS flight to CASA, usually in a low-risk area below 400 feet AGL.

If you fly a very small drone (under 2kg) commercially and have notified CASA, you must tell CASA within 21 business days if any of your registered details or circumstances change.

If you are flying a drone commercially under the 'excluded category' (without a ReOC), you must notify CASA before your first flight. You do not need to notify CASA if the operation is covered by a ReOC (UAV Operator's Certificate).

You must not launch or release a fully autonomous drone (one you cannot take control of during any stage of flight) unless CASA has approved it and you follow the approval's conditions. Breaking this is a strict liability offence. Balloons, kites and model aircraft are not covered.