RPA Flight Restrictions in No-Fly Zones of Non-Controlled Aerodromes

In plain language

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.

Requirement as structured

A person must not fly an RPA or model aircraft in the no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome or helicopter landing site (HLS) during a relevant event where a manned aircraft is in the airspace, unless specific exceptions apply.

Original regulatory text

(1) A person may fly an RPA or a model aircraft, or conduct RPA operations, in relevant airspace provided that: (a) the flight or operation does not occur during a relevant event; and (b) if, during the flight or operation, the person becomes aware that a relevant event is occurring, or is about to occur — the person complies with section 9.04. Note A remote pilot with a relevant radio qualification should monitor the aerodrome radio frequency and communicate with manned aircraft using the aerodrome frequency. (2) Despite subsection (1), a certified RPA operator may conduct RPA operations in relevant airspace during a relevant event, but only if the RPA operation is exclusively: (a) an indoors operation; or (b) a tethered operation in accordance with section 9.05; or (c) an operation using a defined unmanned aircraft; or (d) an operation using a micro RPA. Note A person must not operate an unmanned aircraft in such a manner as to create an obstruction to an aircraft taking off from, or approaching for landing at, a landing area or a runway of an aerodrome – see subregulation 101.075 (4) of CASR. (3) Despite subsection (1), a person may fly an RPA or model aircraft in relevant airspace during a relevant event, but only if the flight is: (a) an indoors operation; or (b) both: (i) the operation of a micro RPA, or a model aircraft that has a gross weight of not more than 250 g; and (ii) outside the movement area, and the approach and departure paths referred to in section 9.06; or (c) an operation using a defined unmanned aircraft. Note See also regulation 101.075 of CASR for offences in relation to operations near aerodromes.