Model aircraft weight limit for educational institutions

In plain language

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.

Requirement as structured

To be classified as a model aircraft for educational, training, or research purposes by an approved school or higher education provider, the aircraft does not carry a person, is not a balloon or kite, and has a gross weight of not more than 7 kg.

Original regulatory text

A model aircraft is an aircraft (other than a balloon or a kite) that does not carry a person:... (b) if the aircraft has a gross weight of not more than 7 kg, and is being operated in connection with the educational, training or research purposes of: (i) a school in relation to which there is an approved authority under the Australian Education Act 2013; or (ii) a higher education provider within the meaning of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

Applies when

max mtom kg

7