Updated 04/06/2020 – For further information visit the CASA website
Remote pilot licence
A remote pilot licence (RePL) allows you to fly remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in circumstances that need specialist training.
You’ll need to apply for a RePL if you want to fly:
- a drone larger than 2 kg for commercial operations – any time you earn money for flying
- outside the drone safety rules (standard operating conditions)
- for a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) holder.
If you want to fly for commercial purposes, you must also either hold a ReOC or work for a ReOC holder. If you get paid for flying your drone – you are flying commercially.
You may not need a RePL if you’re eligible to operate under the ‘Flying over your own land‘ or ‘Sub 2 kg‘ excluded category.
You don’t need a licence if you’re only flying for fun.
RePLs do not expire.
There is no minimum age requirement to obtain a RePL.
How to apply
Step 1: apply for an aviation reference number (ARN)
An ARN is your unique ID number that we’ll use to identify you each time you communicate with us.
Find out more about the ID requirements and apply for an ARN.
Step 2: complete the required training
Before you can get your licence, you’ll need to complete the required training through a certified training provider. Training requirements depend on your level of aviation experience.
For those with no aviation experience
You’ll need to find a certified training provider and complete the required theory and practical training.
If at any time you need to fly in controlled airspace or beyond visual line of sight, you’ll also need an aeronautical radio operators licence (AROC). An AROC is required anytime you need to transmit on an aeronautical radio frequency.
For those with aviation experience
You don’t need to complete theory RePL training if you:
- have passed the theory component of any Part 61 flight crew licence (eg PPL, CPL, ATPL or RPL)
- have an equivalent military qualification or air traffic control licence.
Note: international qualifications may be recognised following a review and comparison of the foreign and Australian syllabi.
If you meet the above criteria, you have two options for obtaining your RePL:
- Complete an operational training course with a CASA approved training organisation who will then apply to CASA on your behalf, and log five hours of flying your drone under standard operating conditions
- Request a CASA flight test to determine competency, log five hours of flying your drone under standard operating conditions, and apply to CASA using Application for Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) form 101-01 (PDF 201.66 KB). You’ll need to submit your supporting documentation, including your certified RPA flying hours log book form 1483 (DOCX 58.77 KB), with your application.
Updated 20/12/2019
CASA News Bulletin In relation to Bush Fires In Australia
Casa has introduced new laws in relation to active bushfires in Australia
In the event of an active bushfire in Australia, drones are not permitted to fly within 10 km for the safety of fire fighting crews and water bombing Helicopters and Plains
For more information please see the attached document
The drone safety rules vary depending on whether you are flying commercially or for fun (recreationally) in Australia. Let us help you understand what you need to know.
Flying drones or model aircraft recreationally
Our recreational drone safety rules are designed to protect other people in the air and on the ground.
You must not fly your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property, so follow our rules every time you fly.
These rules do not apply to all drone flyers. If you hold a remote pilot licence (RePL) and operate according to a remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate (ReOC) or have an authorisation from CASA, you will be exempt.
You’ll find all of the drone safety rules, plus useful videos and resources, on our dedicated Drone Flyer website.
Model aircraft
Remotely piloted aircraft used for sport or recreational purposes that weigh 150kg or less are considered to be operating privately and are regulated by the provisions for model aircraft.
The rules
- You must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres (400 ft) above the ground.
- You must not fly your drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway (without prior approval). This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire and associated firefighting efforts, and search and rescue operations.
- You must not fly your drone within 30 metres of people, unless the other person is part of controlling or navigating the drone.
- You must fly only one drone at a time.
- If your drone weighs more than 100 grams:
- You must keep your drone at least 5.5km away from controlled aerodromes (usually those with a control tower)
- You may fly within 5.5km of a non-controlled aerodrome or helicopter landing site (HLS) only if manned aircraft are not operating to or from the aerodrome. If you become aware of manned aircraft operating to or from the aerodrome/ HLS, you must manoeuvre away from the aircraft and land as soon as safely possible. This includes:
- not operating your drone within the airfield boundary (*without approval)
- not operating your drone in the approach and departure paths of the aerodrome (*without approval)
- You must only fly during the day and keep your drone within visual line-of sight.
- This means being able to orientate, navigate and see the aircraft with your own eyes at all times (rather than through a device; for example, through goggles or on a video screen).
- You must not fly over or above people. This could include festivals, sporting ovals, populated beaches, parks, busy roads and footpaths.
- You must not operate your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person, or property
- You must not operate your drone in prohibited or restricted areas.
* Approval is generally linked to an approved model flying association and its members
Please respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent—this may breach state laws.
Important: tips for flying within the law
- There might be local council and/or national park laws prohibiting drone flights in certain areas.
- Research the area you plan to fly and contact your council or national park if you’re unsure.
- Don’t operate near emergency services aircraft – if you fly, they can’t.
- You can contact CASA ON 131 757 for further information
Flying drones commercially
When flying for money, or any form of economic gain, you may need to be licensed and certified as an operator, or work for a certified operator.
To make it easier for commercial operators flying a drone weighing under 2kg, you may wish to make use of our ‘excluded’ category.
You only need to be licensed and certified if you want to fly outside of our standard operating conditions.
Flying over your own land – excluded RPA
If you’re flying a drone commercially on your own land, and not receiving money for that work, you might not need to be licensed and certified.
The rules are based on the weight of your drone.
Excluded operation | RePL | ReOC |
---|---|---|
Commercial use of a drone between 100g and 2kg | No | No |
Use of a drone between 2 and 25kg by a private landowner | No | No |
Use of a drone between 25 and 150kg by a private landowner | Yes | No |
The process
- Step 1: Apply for an aviation reference number
- Apply for an aviation reference number (ARN). This is similar to an account or customer number and will need to be quoted whenever you communicate with us. Find out more about ARNs and identification requirements.
- Step 2: Tell us before you fly
- Let us know when you intend flying by using our online notification form. You’ll need to quote your ARN and can select multiple locations and categories on the one form.
This notification is valid for 24 months, so you will need to re-notify us every two years. If you get a new drone, change your drone, or want to operate from a different place, you will need to submit a new notification form.
- Step 3: Fly within the standard operating conditions
-
- You must not fly higher than 120 metres (400 ft) above the ground, in all locations (etc.)
- You must not fly your RPA/drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway (without prior approval). This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire and associated firefighting efforts, and search and rescue operations.
- You must not fly your RPA/drone within 30 metres of people, unless the other person is part of controlling or navigating the drone.
- You must only fly one RPA/drone at a time.
- You must keep your RPA/drone at least 5.5km away from controlled aerodromes (usually those with a control tower)
- You may fly within 5.5km of a non-controlled aerodrome or helicopter landing site (HLS) only if manned aircraft are not operating to or from the aerodrome. If you become aware of manned aircraft operating to or from the aerodrome/ HLS, you must manoeuvre away from the aircraft and land as soon as safely possible. This includes:
- not operating your RPA/drone within the airfield boundary
- not operating your RPA/drone in the approach and departure paths of the aerodrome
- You must only fly during the day and keep your RPA/drone within visual line-of sight.
- This means being able to orientate, navigate and see the aircraft with your own eyes (rather than through a device at all times). Example: goggles or video screen.
- You must not fly your RPA over the top of people. Examples include festivals, sporting ovals, populated beaches, parks, busy roads and footpaths.
- You must not operate an RPA/drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, another person, or property
- You must not operate your RPA/drone in prohibited or restricted areas.
Please respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent—this may breach state laws.
*Please note: If you want to operate outside these conditions (for example, fly closer than 30 metres to people), you will need to hold a remote operator’s certificate (ReOC).
The above operating conditions are a broad reflection of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101 and do not include all the regulations you must follow. You must abide by all the regulations detailed in Part 101. If you don’t you could face enforcement action, including large fines and possible jail time.
- Step 4: Download our app
- We encourage you to download our ‘Can I fly there’ drone app. This will show you the crucial drone no-fly areas and drone fly with caution zones. You will also see restricted and military airspace where drones must not be flown.
Other useful information
- ‘Can I fly there’ drone app
- Gaining your remote pilot licence (RePL)
- Remotely piloted aircraft system resources and links
- Flying over your own land brochure
Remotely piloted aircraft in emergency situations
Operating a drone in an emergency situation such as bushfires, floods, traffic accidents and other events, can represent a safety risk to manned aircraft. It can also disrupt emergency services. While it may be tempting to capture footage, it might not be safe to operate our drone and you might be breaking the drone safety rules.
Bushfires – ‘If you fly, they can’t’
Never fly a drone, model aircraft or multirotor near bushfires. While it might be tempting to record footage, you can pose a major safety risk to firefighting personnel in the air and on the ground.
Resources
- ‘Firebombing is tough enough’ poster
- ‘Don’t go there’ RPA bushfire brochure
- ‘Flying your drone for fun?’ brochure
Resources
State and territory fire authorities
- New South Wales Rural Fire Service – RFS
- Australian Capital Territory Rural Fire Services – ACTRFS
- Victoria Country Fire Authority – CFA
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES
- Tasmania Fire Service – TFS
- South Australian Country Fire Service – CFS
- Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services – DFES
- Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services – PFES
Can I fly there? – Drone safety app
Not sure about where you can fly your drone?
We’ve teamed up with Drone Complier to produce an easy-to-use smartphone app illustrating where you’re not allowed to fly.
The ‘Can I fly there?’ drone safety app reflects the standard operating conditions for those flying their drone recreationally or commercially (under the excluded category of commercial operations) and is a valuable educational and situational awareness tool for drone flyers.
Download
The app is available on Android and iOS devices, with a web-based HTML5 version also accessible.
Incorrect data
The data used by the ‘Can I fly there?’ app is sourced from Airservices Australia. If you would like to report inaccuracies in this data, such as the incorrect location of an aerodrome or helicopter landing site, please email docs.amend@AirservicesAustralia.com
Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback on the app, please email droneapp@casa.gov.au
Airspace
Enquires about controlled airspace should be directed to Airservices Australia. All other airspace enquires can be sent to CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation.
Privacy concerns
There are potential privacy issues in operating drones. However, CASA’s role is restricted to aviation safety—privacy is not in our remit.
The principal area of the Australian Government concerned with privacy is the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. Some State and Territory anti-stalking laws may apply to the operation of surveillance drones in some circumstances.
Extracts from www.casa.gov.au Republished By DWAA Drone Operations Australia Drone Sale And Service Pty Ltd