Approval required for autonomous aircraft launch or release

In plain language

You cannot launch or fly a fully autonomous drone (where you cannot intervene or take control during flight) unless you have received official approval from CASA and follow its conditions. This restriction does not apply to balloons, kites, or model aircraft.

Requirement as structured

A person does not launch or release an autonomous aircraft that does not allow pilot intervention during flight unless they hold an approval under regulation 101.029 and comply with all conditions of that approval.

Original regulatory text

A person commits an offence of strict liability if the person causes an autonomous aircraft to be launched or released. ... Subregulation (2) does not apply if: (a) the person holds an approval under regulation 101.029 to launch or release the autonomous aircraft; and (b) the conditions (if any) imposed on the approval are complied with.

Applies when

operation

Autonomous