FAQs

AC – Advisory Circular

ADS-B – Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast

AIS – Abbreviated Injury Scale

ARN – Aviation Reference Number

BARS – Basic Aviation Risk Standard

BVLOS – Beyond Visual Line of Sight

CASA – Civil Aviation Safety Authority

CASR – Civil Aviation Safety Regulations

CAA – Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

CONOPS – Concept of Operations

CRP – Chief Remote Pilot

ERP – Emergency Response Plan

EVLOS – Extended Visual Line of Sight

FIMS – Flight Information Management System

FPV – First Person View

HLS – Helicopter Landing Site

IREX – Instrument Rating Exam

JARUS – Joint Authorities for Rule Making on Unmanned Systems

JSA – Job Safety Assessment

MOA – Military Operating Area

MOS 101 – Part 101 Manual of Standards

NAIPS – National Aeronautical Information Processing System

NOTAM – Notice to Airmen

OCTA – Outside Controlled Airspace

OONP – Operations Over or Near People

ReOC – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators Certificate

RePL – Remote Pilots Licence

RP – Remote Pilot

RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

RPIC – Remote Pilot In Command

SORA – Specific Operations Risk Assessment

UAV – Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle

UAS – Uncrewed Aircraft System

UTM – Uncrewed Traffic Management

VLOS – Visual Line of Sight

Flying Drones within Australian Airspace can be both a recreational activity to enjoy or a commercial activity to take advantage of this new emerging innovative technology and all its capabilities. 

Drones are broken down into different categories. In Australia, the CASA Plain English Guide recognises and describes these as follows:

Multi-rotor Helicopter

This type has more than one power-driven engine (rotor) that will rotate or turn vertically. It takes off, lands, flies and hovers like a traditional ‘single rotor’ helicopter but has more than one rotor. 

Single-rotor Helicopter

This type has one power-driven engine (rotor) and looks a bit like a traditional helicopter. It usually also has another rotor on the tail or end of the aircraft.

Aeroplane

This type looks and flies like a regular plane – it has fixed wings. It also takes off and lands horizontally and usually can’t hover.

Powered-lift 

This type can take off and land vertically (straight up and down) like a helicopter, but can then move into forward flight like a traditional plane.

Airship

This type is engine-powered and is ‘lighter than air’ – it can be filled with a buoyant gas and usually ‘floats’ in the air. A blimp is a good example of an airship.

Recreational flying of Drones can come in many different ways. The most common recreational way to fly a Drone in Australia is over your own property 30 meters away from other individuals. Utilising drones in such a manner can increase safety in activities that are otherwise dangerous, such as checking gutters or looking for potential damage to your property. With this in mind, it is important to ensure you are flying safely and in a non-commercial manner. Follow these 12 steps to ensure you can operate recreationally.

• Don’t fly higher than 120 Meters (400 feet)
• Stay at least 30 meters away from others
• Only fly one drone at a time
• Keep your drone in sight at all times
• Don’t fly above groups of people, including at the beach and sporting events.
• Don’t record or photograph others without their consent.
• Anything over 250 grams, you cannot fly closer than 5.5km from a controlled airport. (Check on Ok2Fly to see if this is your airport)
• Don’t fly in a manner that will create a hazard to other aircraft or people. 
• Only fly during the day, and don’t fly when fog is present or you will be flying in cloud.
• Any public safety events are a no go! This includes fires, police situations as well as natural disasters.
• Airports that are not controlled will still have aircraft, so land as soon as you’re aware one is in the area.
• Don’t fly your drone for any commercial work or any rewards otherwise, you will also need to register your drone and get a licence or accreditation. 

Excluded categories within Australia make up the core of most people’s daily drone activities. It’s important to be aware of what is and isn’t included within Excluded categories. If you are one of the following, you might be able to operate under the excluded category. Businesses that commonly fly under the excluded category with drones between the weights of 249 g – 25 KG are:

• Photographers and film-makers
• Real estate agents
• Researchers
• Construction workers and tradespeople ‘Tradies’
• Government and community service providers
• Aerial spotting
• Crop, Livestock or equipment inspections
• Land surveying
• Agricultural Operations
• Carrying Cargo

There are excluded category operations individuals can conduct with drones weighing more than 25 KG but less than 150 KG. These operations are called landowner or private landholder excluded category operations, and you must have a RePL for the type and model of drone you want to fly.

All of these excluded category operations require that you must 

1. You must first get an ARN (you may require an organisation ARN)
2. Get an RPA operator’s accreditation
3. Register your drone
4. Only fly your drone within the drone safety rules

For anything 2 KG and above, you must also ‘keep the required operational records’

One of the most important certifications you can attain when flying drones within Australia is the “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)” This certificate is the backbone of commercial operations as a drone operator. The ReOC is essentially a key that unlocks (subject to approvals) the world of drone operations and increases your capability of operations. With a ReOC you can accept rewards or payment for your services, and it allows you to employ other remote pilots to operate RPA that weight 

• Less than 7 kg
• Less than 25 kg 
• Less than 150 kg
• More than 150 kg (Additional certification of the RPA is required.)

A ReOC also allows you to apply for additional permissions and approvals to conduct more complex drone operations outside of the drone safety rules, which includes BVLOS operations and operations over or near people (OONP). 

Hover UAV can assist you in attaining this certification as well as many other complex procedural documentation. Contact us today to find out more

Recreational Flying of an RPA is one of the most common activities conducted by Remote Pilots in Australia. Although the activity can be fun, there is still a set list of rules you must follow to remain safe and keep others around you safe.

• Always fly at or below 120 m (400 ft)
• Keep your drone at least 30 m away from others
• If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must fly at least 5.5 km away from a controlled airport, which generally has a control tower at it.
• If you’re near a helicopter landing site or a smaller aerodrome without a control tower, you can fly your drone within 5.5 KM. If you become aware of manned aircraft nearby, you will have to manoeuvre away and land your drone as quickly and safely as possible. 
• Fly in open spaces away from other people or populous areas. This includes avoiding beaches, parks, events, and sports ovals where there is a game in progress.
• Always keep your drones within visual line-of-sight. This means always being able to see the drone with your own eyes. (Rather than through a device, screen or goggles) 
• Keep your drone away from emergency operations. This includes floods, bushfires, law enforcement and rescue operations. Flying your drone over or near an area where emergency operations are underway could affect public safety.
• If you intend to fly your drone for or at work (commercially), there are extra rules you must follow. You will also need to register your drone and get a licence or accreditation. 
• Keep your drone clear of aircraft, people and property, to avoid creating a hazard.
• Respect personal privacy. Photographic or recording people without their consent may breach other laws.
• Only fly one drone at a time.
• Only fly during the day and not through clouds or fog.

For more information on flying drones recreationally you can visit the “Know Your Drone” site. There is also a “Quiz” to test your knowledge on the rules surrounding drones. 

Micro RPA

You can fly a micro drone or RPA that weighs 249 g or less for business or part of your job. You do not need a Remote Pilots Licence (RePL) or Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC)

You must:

1. You must first get an ARN (you may require an organisation ARN)
2. Get an RPA operator’s accreditation
3. Register your drone

Only fly your drone within the drone safety rules

Very small, Excluded Category Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)

You can fly a very small drone or RPA that weighs 2 Kilograms or less for business or as part of your job if it is flown for specific business-related tasks. This includes;

• Photographers and film-makers
• Real estate agents
• Researchers
• Construction works
• Government and community service providers. 

1. You must first get an ARN (you may require an organisation ARN)
2. Get an RPA operator’s accreditation
3. Register your drone
4. Only fly your drone within the standard operating conditions.

Small, excluded category RPA

You can fly a small drone or RPA that weighs less than 2 Kilograms but not more than 25 kilograms over your land for business or as part of your job, provided you do not accept any type of payment for your services. Examples of types of operations you can do under this excluded category include:

1. Aerial spotting
2. Crop, livestock or equipment inspections
3. Land Surveying
4. Agricultural operations
5. Carrying cargo
6. You must first get an ARN (you may require an organisation ARN)
7. Get an RPA operator’s accreditation
8. Register your drone
9. Only fly your drone within the standard operating conditions
10. Keep the required operational records
11. Do not accept payment for the service you provide.

Medium, excluded category RPA

You can fly a medium drone or RPA that weighs more than 25 Kilograms but not more than 150 Kilograms over your own land for business or as part of your job, provided you do not accept any type of payment for the services.

You must get a RePL for the type and model of drone you want to fly.

You must get a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation to fly for business or as part of your job if your drone weighs:

• 250 g or less (a micro RPA)
• more than 250 g but no more than 2 kg (a very small RPA)
• more than 2kg but no more than 25 kg and you only fly it over your own land (a small RPA).

To obtain Operator Accreditation, follow these steps:

1. Create or use your Digital Identity to log into myCASA Portal.
2. Select ‘Apply for an individual Aviation Reference Number (ARN) –  (You can link your existing ARN or apply for a new one. If you’re operating on behalf of a business, you’ll also need an organisation ARN.)
3. Enter your details
4. Select ‘Individual account’, then select ‘Drone accreditation’. Read the decoration carefully then follow the prompts to complete the accreditation quiz. (You require 85% or higher to pass the quiz).

The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is granted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and permits remote pilots to operate under an RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), typically possessed by an approved business. This license allows for the operation of medium-sized Excluded RPAs (ranging from 25kg to 150kg) for agricultural activities.

1. Get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
2. Find a certified RePL training provider
3. Pass the required theory component
   4. Pass the practical skills component

(If you want to fly in controlled airspace you’ll need an aeronautical radio operator licence (AROC). You can get prior recognition for your aviation experience if you have either passed:

• Passed the theory part of any Part 61 flight crew licence (PPL, CPL, ATPL or RPL)
• An equivalent military qualification or air traffic control licence.

Your RePL will show the type (for example, these are: Aeroplane, Helicopter, Single-Rotor, Multi-rotor, Powered-lift and RPA with a liquid-fuel system.) and weight category of drone you can fly. This includes:

less than 7 kg

less than 25 kg

less than 150 kg (type-specific ratings only)

more than 150 kg (type-specific ratings only).

A RePL does not expire. There is no minimum age to get a RePL.

A remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) allows you or your business to trade as a drone service provider.

A ReOC permits your business to conduct a range of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations—subject to approval—that are not available to other operators.

You do not need a ReOC, if you’re:

• eligible to operate a micro or excluded category RPA
• flying for fun.

Obtaining a  Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC) allows you or your business to operate as a drone service provider for hire or reward and apply to fly outside standard operating conditions. This includes employing remote pilots to operate RPA that weigh:
– less than 7 kg
– less than 25 kg
– less than 150 kg
– more than 150 kg (Additional certification of the RPA required.
You can obtain a ReOC by following these steps:

1. Appoint a Chief Remote Pilot / Maintenance Controller
2. Complete the RPA Operator’s Certificate form 101.09
3. Attach supporting documentation, including CASA operations manuals and CRP
4. Email your application and supporting documents
5. Pay the application fee
6. Pass a chief remote pilot (CRP) assessment

Hover UAV offer ReOC Manual Packages from $925 – Contact the team today

You must have an individual Aviation Reference Number (ARN) to access CASA services, or to hold any:

• licence
• permission
• authorisation.

To apply for an individual ARN you can either fill out paperwork or apply through the myCASA portal.
1. Log in to myCASA using your individual account

2. Select ‘Apply for an individual ARN’
   3. Enter your details
3. Submit your identification
4. Submit your application

You will need an organisation aviation reference number (ARN) to interact with CASA on behalf of your business. You will also need an individual ARN.

You can apply for an ARN for your business online, using our myCASA portal.

An organisation ARN allows others in your business to be set up to transact with CASA online on behalf of the business.

To apply for an organisation ARN you can either fill out paperwork or apply through the myCASA portal. 

1. Login in to myCASA using your individual ARN and be authorised to apply on behalf of the business.
2. Select ‘Apply for an organisation ARN’
3. Enter the relevant details
4. Submit the application

Part 101.238 states, “Standard RPA Operating Conditions are at all times during the operation;
– the RPA is operated in Australian territory; and

– the RPA is operated within the visual line of sight of the person operating the RPA; and

– the RPA is operated at or below 400 ft AGL by day; and

– the RPA is not operated within 30 m of a person who is not directly, associated with the operation of the RPA; and

– the RPA is not operated:

1 in a prohibited area; or

2 in a restricted area that is classified as RA3; or

3 in a restricted area that is classified as RA2 or RA1 otherwise than in accordance with regulation 101.065; or

4 over a populous area; or

5 within 3 nautical miles of the movement area of a controlled aerodrome; and

– the RPA is not operated over an area where a fire, police or other public safety or emergency operation is being conducted without the approval of a person in charge of the operation; and

– the person operating the RPA operates only that RPA.

You must register your Drone or RPA before flying if it is operated for a business or is used as part of your job. You must go to the myCASA Portal to begin the registration process.

This applies to all drones you fly to provide any type of service such as

• Selling photos or videos taken from a drone
• Inspecting industrial equipment, construction sites or infrastructure
• Monitoring, surveillance or security services
• Research and development (Unless it is a test flight that meets the following)
  • The purpose of developing the relevant aircraft, system or equipment; or
  • For the purpose of testing the relevant aircraft, system or equipment, before it is provided to the initial purchaser of the relevant aircraft, system or equipment; or
  • Following the fitting of relevant equipment to a relevant aircraft or system, that is conducted by or at the request of, the person who fitted the equipment; or
  • Before or after repair or maintenance of the relevant aircraft, system or equipment that is conducted by, or at the request of, the person who carried out, or will carry out, the maintenance or repair and
  • Records of the test flight are maintained. 
• Any drone activities on behalf of your employer or business.

You must be 16 or older to register a drone, and you must also get an RPA operator accreditation if you fly your drone for business or use one as part of your job. Please note micro drones do not need to be registered.

• Drone registration costs are $40 per RPA

You must not make a Significant Change to your operation unless CASA has, in writing, approved the significant change. (MOS 101 (10A.01 (2))) 

You must make a written application to CASA to approve a significant change. CASA may approve a Significant Change with or without conditions but only if:

• The change is consistent with the nature and scope of the operator’s certification; and would have an adverse effect on aviation safety.

A list of changes that would constitute a Significant Change is as follows:

• a change to any of the following:
• the operator’s nominated personnel;
• the formal reporting lines for any managerial or operational position that reports directly to any of the nominated personnel;
• the qualifications and experience which the operator requires the nominated personnel to have;
• the responsibilities assigned by the operator to the nominated personnel;
• the operator’s process for making changes to the documented practices and procedures;
• the managerial or operational positions within the operator’s organisation;
• the types of RPA being operated by the operator; and
• a change to any of the following that does not maintain or improve, or is not likely to maintain or improve, aviation safety:
• the documented practices and procedures for the conduct of RPA operations;
• the training or checking conducted by the operator;
• the documented practices and procedures for managing operational risk;
•  the documented practices and procedures for managing the risk of fatigue in the operator’s personnel;
• the documented practices and procedures for managing RPA maintenance;
• and any change in relation to the operator that will likely result in the reissue of the operator’s ReOC.

CASA has released an instrument to assist RPA operators with night operations it is available here and is called ‘CASA 01/17 Approval — operation of RPA at night’ This instrument applies to the operation of an RPA, other than a large RPA

Amendments must be made to your operations manual to include N-VLOS and ensuring the RPA meets the night equipment requirements is crucial. Furthermore, knowing where to look for first and last light calculations is essential. This information can either be found in NAIPS or calculated manually in the GEN section of the AIP. There will be a training event involved in this approval, which will be done by your CRP.

You are able to operate within 3 Nautical Miles (nm) of an uncontrolled aerodrome with the expectation that when other aircraft are in the vicinity, you land your RPA immediately. When it comes to Controlled Aerodromes, this changes to not being allowed without prior permission attained from both CASA and Airservices. This 3nm area includes any direction from the measurement point of any runway of the controlled/uncontrolled aerodrome. It is worth noting that although you can fly within 3nm, you are not able to fly into the splays of the aerodromes’ runways. 

CASA has released an instrument relating to Area Approval for Operations of RPA within 3 nm of certain controlled aerodromes. This document is titled ‘CASA 03/24 – Area Approval for Operation of RPA within 3 NM of Controlled Aerodromes using CASA-verified Drone Safety App – Canberra (YSCB), Adelaide (YPAD), Perth (YPPH) and Sydney (YSSY) Instrument 2024’ There are set requirements to use this instrument and regulations about flying over private property and populous areas still apply.

With the new Exemption released on August 6 2024 CASA has streamlined the process to be able to get approval to fly Over Or Near People. Traditionally legislation for these types of operation falls under CASR Part 101.245 Operation near people. CASA has released a Temporary Management Instrument which covers how to apply for an exemption to fly closer than 30 m of people. It covers weight limits, consent requirements and much more. HoverUAV has written procedures that cover the content of the TMI and can help you get this exemption. Reach out to us today to talk with one of our experts.

Operating above 400ft AGL is only possible for ReOC holders who are approved to conduct these operations by CASA via an Area Approval. Where an operation occurs exclusively in A-typical Airspace, ReOC holders may obtain an Australia-wide approval. For all other above 400ft AGL operations, the operator must apply for each area they intend to operate within.

When applying to CASA an operator must provide:

• Updated procedures manual
• A risk assessment for above 400ft operations (on the first application)
• A risk assessment specific to risks in the area (for each area).

A type of beyond visual line of sight operation that utilises observers for situational awareness of air and ground risks to allow the RP to not have constant VLOS with the RPA during all stages of flight. Comprises either EVLOS operation Class 1 or Class 2.

Extended Visual Line of Sight Class 1 (EVLOS) – A type of EVLOS operation where one (or more) trained Observers are used for situational awareness of air and ground risks to allow the RP to not have constant VLOS with the RPA during all stages of flight (eg. during FPV operations). Observer(s) must be in the same location as the RP and be able to verbally communicate without the use of any device.

Extended Visual Line of Sight Class 2 (EVLOS) – A type of EVLOS operation where one (or more) trained Observers are used for situational awareness of air and ground risks to allow the RP to not have constant VLOS with the RPA during all stages of flight. Observer(s) can be in a different location than the RP but must be able to verbally communicate using an effective communication system.

BVLOS – “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” is considered the frontier of the drone industry in today’s current climate. It means that drones fly beyond the visual line of sight of the operator which for most commercial drone operators is a foreign concept due to regulatory requirements and operational constraints in particular reliability of equipment. The advantages of BVLOS operations are that they enable service providers to introduce more complex operations and capabilities such as drone delivery or long-range inspections.

For approval to fly Enclosed BVLOS, you or your operator will require permission to conduct such operations and procedures in place for BVLOS Enclosed operations. Additionally, the supervising pilot will need to be located at a place where the remote pilot is operating, readily accessible to the remote pilot, and immediately available to advise and direct them

Hover UAV can provide you services in being able to fly Enclosed BVLOS operations.

To apply for BVLOS approvals, you will need to follow these steps:

To fly beyond BVLOS you must have a:

• Hold a ReOC
• Hold a RePL with either 
• A pass in the Instrument Rating or BVLOS exam
• Operate under the direct supervision of an individual who holds a pass in one of the exams
• BVLOS fight authorisation

To apply for a BVLOS flight authorisation, the CRP must

• Fill out Application for RPA flight authorisation (area approval / permission) form 101-09
• Include supporting documents based on the SORA or a BVLOS standard scenario
• Pay the estimated fee following review of your application, additional fees may apply if an RPAS inspector must travel to complete the assessment
• Complete an operational check (only if this is your first BVLOS application)

Hover UAV specialises in BVLOS applications, contact the team today to get a free BVLOS initial consultation

In the context of SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment), it refers to a clear and concise outline of how a particular drone operation will be conducted. It covers things like the purpose of the operation, roles and responsibilities of personnel involved, operational procedures, and safety measures.

Hover UAV conduct Discovery Workshops starting at $1000 to define your concept of Operations and project plans

Joint Authorities for Rule-making on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) is a group of experts gathering regulatory expertise from all around the world. The purpose of JARUS,  is “to recommend a single set of technical, safety and operational requirements for all aspects linked to the safe operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

Joint Authorities for Rule-making on Unmanned Systems (JARUS).

SORA stands for Specific Operations Risk Assessment. It’s a framework used to assess and manage the risks associated with specific drone operations. Essentially, it helps drone operators and authorities understand and mitigate the potential hazards of flying drones in different scenarios. SORA provides a structured approach to evaluating factors like airspace, environment, operational procedures, and potential consequences to ensure safe and responsible drone operations. It’s like a safety checklist tailored to each drone mission, helping to minimise risks and ensure compliance with regulations.

Hover UAV can assist you in your development of a SORA and successful submission to CASA for your operations.

CASA has developed guidance material for operators to use when submitting a BVLOS application, including information about how to assess an area, as well as the mitigations and procedures required to support the application. This is covered in further detail in the BVLOS Standard Scenario (AU-STS) Applicant Response templates.

Some of these Standard scenarios include; 

AU-STS-1: a BVLOS operation for inspections of infrastructure in a controlled ground environment such as mine sites, wind farms or other similar locations.

AU-STS-2: BVLOS operation near a vertical object with a sparsely populated ground environment. Covering possible inspections or surveillance of infrastructure such as bridges, powerlines or wind turbines.

AU-STS-4: A BVLOS operation in a remote area within 3 NM of a registered or certified non-controlled aerodrome, including a helicopter landing site. 

AU-STS-6: A BVLOS operations 400 ft in remote Australian airspace with a sparsely populated ground environment. This might fall under large-scale rural surveys, as well as agriculture and environmental monitoring in remote Australian airspace. 

AU-STS-7: A BVLOS operation between 400ft AGL and 5,000ft AMSL in remote Australian airspace with a sparsely populated ground environment. 

HOVER UAV offers SORA training overview courses for $450

Operations Over or Near People are operations that involve reducing the standard 30 m rule encompassing new requirements such as consent and weight limitations. These operations are restricted to ReOC holders with CASA approval.

Exemption 45/24 was released to provide a more streamlined process when applying for approval to fly over or near people. This means that previously a ReOC holder had to get a separate approval to fly over or near people and then an exemption to fly in a populated area. To make it quicker and easier CASA has introduced a general exemption. This means once you have CASA approval to fly over or near people, you automatically have permission to fly in a populated area as well. This exemption instrument is available here

Yes you will still need a ReOC to fly over or near people. Alongside this just because you meet the requirements of the TMI and any other additional requirements CASA puts on your exemption.

No, just because you meet the requirements does not mean it is a blanket approval to fly over or near people. Contravening CASR 101.245 has a penalty of 10 Penalty Units ($3,130). Play it safe and let us at HoverUAV assist you in cost-effective compliance

Contact HoverUAV today and we can help you fit Operations Over Or Near People into your procedures today to allow for your operations to remain compliant. 

In addition to the Remote Pilots RePL the RP will require a pass in the CASA OCTA ( Outside Controlled Terminal Airspace) Exam. This exam is conducted through Aspeq. This exam is 90 minutes in duration, and you can finish early at any time. This exam requires a pass mark of 70% and has no permitted materials. The prerequisite for the exam are as follows:

• RePL
• Payment of $174.34

To book this exam go to casa.aspeqexams.com/home

• Select “Exam Schedule”
• Under specialisation, click “Flight Crew”, then “RePL Examinations” and select “Beyond Visual Line of Sight”
• Find your preferred time and location

You will need to bring current & original photo ID this includes

• ASIC
• AVID
• Driver’s Licence
• Digital Driver’s Licence
• ID of a serving member of the Australian Government, Public Service or Statutory body
• ID of a serving member of the Australian police or military
• Current Passport
• Proof of Age or Proof of Identity card issued by the Australian Government or State

Hover UAV offers BVLSO OCTA Training and preparation for the CASA OCTA Examination 2 days courses start  $1500.

IREX, otherwise known as the Instrument Rating Exam, is an option to complete to get the prerequisite for BVLOS Approval rather than completing the OCTA Exam. However, if the Operator is flying in controlled Airspace a Pass in IREX is required. This is a Flight Crew Exam that focuses heavily on the IFR procedures, including NDB, RNP, ILS, LOC, VOR, Holding Procedures, IFR Alternate Procedures, IFR Minimums and other IFR theories. This is one of the most practical CASA exams, but it will not focus on any RPA knowledge. While this is an option, its primary role is for Flight Crew and not RePL pilots.

The airspace you will encounter while flying your drone will change depending on your operations. Here is an overview of airspaces and what to expect in each one.

Class G Airspace: Class Golf Airspace is uncontrolled airspace located beneath and beside controlled airspace steps. Located within this airspace are multiple airports where separation standards are assured between aircraft, and air-to-air radio communication is used. Within this airspace, there are multiple frequencies used, with some being specified on ERSA pages of airports and a general 126.700 frequency being used where one is not listed. Within this airspace, certain airports may hold requirements for operators to use a VHF radio when in the vicinity of the aerodrome (For aircraft operators, this is 10 Nautical Miles and at a height above the aerodrome that could result in a conflict with operators at the aerodrome)

Class C Airspace: Class Charlie Airspace is the controlled airspace located at all major airports within Australia. (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney…) This airspace is controlled by Air Traffic Services, which provides multiple services to aircraft and which will be required to speak to when operating an RPA within their airspace. Class C airspace varies at certain heights and goes in an upside-down wedding cake design outwards as it increases in altitude. These are identifiable on a VTC, VNC or ERC with the Lower Limit (LL) next to it as the lower limit. It is important to identify these different sectors within class C airspace can have different LL. Class C airspace requires an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) to be used in the airspace. Be cautious that within this area, there can be different subsectors with different frequencies in use, particularly when multiple runways are operating. It is essential to be on the correct frequency and follow all instructions at all times.  

Class D Airspace: Class Delta Airspace is the main airspace you will encounter in Regional Australia. This airspace is controlled but may not have the same type of radar services as a class C airport might have. Some airports might have to rely on position reporting from aircraft due to a lack of surveillance available in the area and thus provide a procedural approach control service. These airspaces might also have areas within their airspace that are handed over to an Enroute Center when the Aerodrome Controller (ADC) is closed. Airports that are Class D that you might encounter through Australia are Coffs Harbour, Avalon and Mackay. An Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) is to be used in the airspace.

Class D Metro: Class Delta Metro airports are located in metropolitan parts of Australia’s major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne…) These airports (Archerfield, Bankstown & Moorabbin) are usually high-traffic airports with flight training schools operating out of them. They often have an extensive range of small general aviation aircraft operating in and out of them and multiple runways with multiple frequencies for each different runway. These airports primarily utilise aircraft sighting for separation and often have congested frequencies.

Aviation Charts can be found for Australian airspace on the Airservices website. The link can be found here. Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for the safety of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace. They are responsible for the safe and efficient management of Australia’s skies and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. They work closely with their customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry.

For more information on Aeronautical charts, it can be found in the Aeronautical Chart user guide

VTC: A Visual Terminal Chart is used to provide both aeronautical and topographical information at a scale of 1:250,000. It provides essential information for operations, including prohibited, restricted and danger areas as well as control zones and associated control lanes of entries, ATC check points and VFR routes. In addition to this, it also provides VFR Approach points for entry into a CTA and is amended every 6 months. Available here.

VNC: A Visual Navigation Chart is used to provide detailed information for a wider area with a scale of 1:500,000 it includes details on the map such as Controlled airspace and Flight Information Area boundaries, VHF frequencies, MBZ and certain CTAF details as well as Danger/Restricted areas. This chart is amended every 6 months. Available here.

WAC: A world Aeronautical Chart provides a wide range of topographical views of the area. On a scale of 1:1,000,000 this chart provides a wide view of the surrounding area with lots of navigation detail, including primary and secondary roads as well as more in-depth contour lines. Additionally, data including Airports and radio navigation aids are shown. This chart is updated every 4 years. 

PCA: A Planning Chart Australia is the most effective way to find the FIR Boundaries you are located in. This chart covers the whole of Australia, showcasing not only the VHF Radio coverage range but also the emergency frequencies to contact. Available here.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is a notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight.
To view NOTAMs you have to login to NAIPS. Once logging in press Location Briefing and either enter the airport you will be operating in the vicinity of for example YBCG (Gold Coast) then in the briefing period enter the time you want to view for eg 1, 2 or 12. To view NOTAMS in the vicinity of the FIR you are operating in (for example out in rural locations with no airports near) type in YBBB/YMMM and press Head Office NOTAM (depending if you are operating in the Brisbane or Melbourne FIR boundaries viewable here.)

The National Aeronautical Information Processing System (NAIPS) is a multi-function, computerised aeronautical information system. This is a free system that you can sign up to with your email and password here. This system can be used to retrieve many different items you might need for your operations. Including but not limited to:

• Weather
• NOTAMS
• First light & Last light
• Wind / Temperature Profiles
• Restricted Area Briefings

You can access it here

Restricted Areas are their namesake. Within these areas are different classifications on their level of restrictions which will affect your operations within said areas.

RA1: Pilots may flight plan through the RA and under normal circumstances expect a clearance from ATC

RA2: Pilots must not flight plan through the RA unless on a route specified in GEN-FPR or under agreement with the Department of Defence, however clearance from ATC is not assured. Other tracking may be offered through the RA on a tactical basis.

RA3: Pilots must not flight plan through the RA and clearances will not be available.

Danger areas are identified zones marked out that have an increased risk in their operation due to a multitude of different reasons. Whilst no operational restrictions occur in them, it is worth noting that there is an increase in potential events that would occur if something were to go wrong. These areas include Training Areas where there is an increase in student pilot activity, high-velocity exhaust fumes, blasting, rifle ranges and parachuting among many more. A few of these Danger Areas are by NOTAM so it is worth checking it.

The first MOAs have been introduced at Nowra, Williamtown, Cerberus, Edinburgh and East Sale and replace the permanent RAs. Most airspace has stayed the same but it is worth noting that Williamtown has had an airspace redesign. From 13 June 2024 the permanent RAs at Pearce, Stirling and Learmonth will no longer be RAs and declared as MOAs. These new MOAs are identifiable on a VTC, VNC or ERC-L with the prefix ‘M’. You can find the activation of these areas within NAIPS through the same process as searching the activation of RAs.

CASA-verified drone safety apps use location-based maps to show where you can and can’t fly your drone according to aviation legislation. For a list of mobile and web-based apps, click here

The Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system will help manage the rapidly developing emerging aviation technology industry in Australia. The UTM will support the safe, economical and efficient management of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in Australian airspace, and the UTM ecosystem will make available a wide range of services to support the industry to thrive.

Flight Information Management System (FIMS) will enable Airservices to seamlessly incorporate drones, air taxis and other uncrewed aircraft into Australian airspace. For more information visit Airservices Australia.

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR) and Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) are the regulatory controls for aviation safety in Australia.

The primary purpose of CASR is to ensure that all aviation activities are conducted in a safe and efficient manner, with the ultimate goal of protecting the public and the environment. The regulations cover a wide range of areas, including flight operations, airworthiness, licensing, training, and maintenance.

Manual of Standards (MOS) 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) consolidates the rules for all unmanned aeronautical activities into one body of legislation. It can be found here. 

Advisory Circulars (AC) give advice and guidance on how to meet the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR). Each AC explains certain rules or standards in more detail. They can be found here.

You must keep records if you are:

• flying a small (2-25 kg) and medium (25-150 kg) remotely piloted aircraft over your own land
• flying a drone of any size under a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)
• a manufacturer conducting a test flight of RPA or model aircraft that is less than 150 kg after manufacturing.

You do not need to keep records if you are flying an RPA that is:

• very small (2 kg or less)
• micro (250 g or less).

These fall under the excluded category or a model aircraft for sport or recreation. They also include a drone which you have built or repaired yourself.

Learn about the different types of drone weight categories and requirements.

You must be able to present a copy of these records to us if required. If you sell your drone, the person buying it may also ask to see a copy.

Guide to record keeping requirements

The following information provides a basic guide to the requirements.

For a full understanding of the rules, we recommend reading CASA Part 101 (Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets) Manual of Standards 2019.

You can also read the relevant amendment instrument to make sure you’re correctly creating and maintaining all required documentation.

Test flight log

Keep for: 3 years.

CASA instrument 63/21 prescribes certain RPA which are not required to be registered, mainly for the purpose of flight testing after maintenance or repair. For any operation performed under the provisions of the instrument, a record must be kept of each test flight. Refer to CASA 63/21 for the required information to be recorded.

You must keep a record of each test flight for any operation performed under the provisions of the instrument.

Test flight logs must be kept for 3 years. They must include:

• the serial number of the RPA or model aircraft flown
• the name, address, and ARN (if any) of the owner of the RPA or model aircraft
• the time and date of the test flight
• the location of the test flight
• the reason for the test flight
• any accident, incident or malfunction that occurred during the test flight
• the name of the remote pilot.

We may disclose the personal information you provide in your test flight logs to a person other than us. This is only if the disclosure has the consent of the owner of the aircraft or the disclosure is required by law.

RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) holders

Chief Remote Pilot duty records (MOS 10.03)

Keep for: 7 years.

Information that the Chief Remote Pilot must keep include:

• operational records:
  • job safety assessments for RPA operations
  • risk management plans
  • operational flight plans
• internal training such as induction or procedural training:
  • full name and ARN of each individual who attended the training course
  • the dates of the training
  • the nature, extent, and purpose of the training
• the outcome of the training for each individual record of qualifications for each person operating an RPA for the operator.

For more information, it can be found here.

A person who is participating directly in the activity to which the RPA is operated.

Note: The scope of persons who may be an active participant is broader than the scope of persons ‘directly

associated with the operation of the RPA’ under CASR 101.245 and may include persons such as performers

and emergency services personnel.

Active participants are those persons directly involved with the operation of the RPA or fully aware that the

RPA operation is being conducted near them. Active participants are fully aware of the risks involved with the

RPA operation and have accepted these risks. Active participants are informed on and able to follow

relevant effective emergency procedures and/or contingency plans.

Abbreviated Injury Scale. The AIS is an anatomical-based coding system created by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine that provides a common language for describing and classifying injuries to classify and describe the severity of injuries. The AIS is primarily used in the field of trauma medicine and injury research. It is utilised by healthcare professionals, trauma surgeons, emergency room physicians, trauma registries, and researchers to assess and document the severity of injuries sustained by individuals involved in accidents, such as car crashes, falls, sports injuries, and other traumatic events.

Emergency procedures are a set of standardised steps that are taken to mitigate the risks and consequences of an emergency situation involving a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). These procedures should be clearly defined and documented in the RPA operator’s manual and should be readily accessible to all remote pilots.

Emergency procedures are a set of standardised steps that are taken to mitigate the risks and consequences of an emergency situation involving a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). These procedures should be clearly defined and documented in the RPA operator’s manual and should be readily accessible to all remote pilots.

An emergency response plan (ERP) is a comprehensive document that outlines the overall strategy and procedures for responding to an emergency involving an RPA. The ERP should be developed by the RPA operator and should be tailored to the specific risks and operational environment of the operator.

Gross weight , for an RPA , means the weight of the aircraft, together with the weight of all payloads and fuel (including batteries) on board the aircraft

Maximum gross weight means the highest safe gross weight of the RPA, conceptionally mirroring the

crewed aviation MTOW concept.

In the absence of mandatory airworthiness certificates, an RPA ‘s maximum gross weight is the higher of:

1. a) the manufacturer’s published maximum weight of the RPAS (if any);
2. b) the maximum weight of the RPAS specified in the operator’s documented practices and procedures (if any)

or

1. c) the actual maximum weight of the RPA during flight.

Informed consent may be obtained either verbally, in writing or via any other digital means. In the context of these RPA operations, the consenting person must be briefed on the following

• The proposed RPA flight paths;
• The risk to life, including details of injury probability and level based on the AIS;
• The immediate emergency procedures and the emergency response plan;
• The safety mitigators were implemented; and
• The right not to consent to operation near the person.

Maximum potential impact energy transfer is the theoretical limit of energy transfer that can occur during an impact event. This limit is determined by the masses of the colliding objects and their relative velocities.

 Sheltered operations are:

Operations are conducted over a controlled environment where there is no potential for a person to be outside

of the shelter; and

The shelter is of such construction as to ensure that, should the RPA penetrate the structure the residual potential impact transfer energy from the RPA, or any debris is less than the specified maximum.

The use of a structure or barrier to physically segregate a person from an RPA.

Airspace where the unmitigated risk of an encounter between an RPA and a conventionally piloted aircraft is acceptably low. This can be:
• restricted airspace (e.g. segregated / restricted areas)
• airspace designated ‘atypical’ by the competent authority
• airspace where conventionally piloted aircraft do not routinely fly (e.g. within 120 m of buildings)
• airspace characterisation where the collision risk between an RPA and conventionally piloted aircraft is not greater than the target level of safety of 1E-7 Mid Air Collisions (MAC) per flight hour.

This means a procedure undertaken in accordance with the RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures to:

• Assess the safety of the operational; and 
• Identify safety risks arising from the operational; and
• Formulate risk mitigation measures for the operation, including risk management plans

The purpose of safety management system (SMS) is to provide organisations with a systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organisational structures, accountabilities, responsibilities, policies, and procedures. An SMS goes further than just encouraging people to be safe. It is designed to improve safety performance through the identification of hazards, collection and analysis of safety data and information, and the continuous assessment of safety risks.

The term ‘human factors’ refers to the wide range of issues affecting how people perform tasks in their work and non-work environments. The study of human factors involves applying knowledge about the human body and mind to better understand human capabilities and limitations, so there is the best possible fit between people and the systems in which they operate. Human factors are the social and personal skills (for example communication and decision-making) that complement technical skills. Understanding and applying human factors is crucial for safety because of the continued threat of accidents, particularly as RPAS operations transition from VLOS to BVLOS operations. For more information on Human Factors, information can be found here.

For a certified RPA operator, means the written practices and procedures of the operator as existing or in force from time to time, that have been approved in writing by CASA.

A defined area of land or water (including any buildings, installations and equipment) intended to be used either wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and movement of aircraft.

This means the perimeter of an aerodrome within which is included:

• Any passenger terminal building and vehicle parking facilities; and
• All movement areas; and
• All other airside buildings, structures or places to which the public does not have access.

An aerodrome at which air traffic control service is provided to aerodrome traffic.

A radiotelephony system used for communication between operational crew

Any confirmed abnormal condition of an item that could eventually result in a failure. In addition to imperfections that may impair the structure, composition, or function of the RPAS, the scope of this definition also includes any intermittent failure, spurious warning, or fault in the operation of an RPAS that may cause it to deviate from its manufacture’s specifications.

Is a system that:

• Uses a camera on the RPA to produce a video display of the flight as it would be seen if a pilot were notionally on board the RPA in order to assist the remote pilot to navigate, orient, and avoid obstacles to the RPA: and
• Is sufficiently powerful, sensitive and robust to remain effective to the duration of the EVLOS operation.

This means a flight of the aircraft solely to test all or any of the following to determine that they or it is working order and in condition for safe operation:

• The aircraft;
• The aircraft system;
• Any equipment associated with the aircraft or aircraft system.

This means a test of the aircraft on the ground solely to test all or any of the following to determine that they or it is in working order and in condition for safe operation:

• The aircraft;
• The aircraft system;
• Any equipment associated with the aircraft or aircraft system.

Means an area of land or water, or a defined area on a structure, intended to be used wholly or in part for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of helicopters.

This means the use of an RPA in circumstances that meet all of the following requirements:

• The RPA is flown within a building, another structurem or a naturally occurring or man-made space underground (a containment area);
• The containment area is such that it is physically impossible for the RPA to escape and fly away during normal, abnormal or emergency operations;
• Entry of people to, and exist of people from, the containment area is controlled in such a way that in flying an RPA in the containment area a remote pilot will not infringe any provision of Part 101 of CASR concerning proximity of an RPA to people within or outside the containment area;
• In the event that an RPA collides with any part of the containment area, no material from the RPA or the containment area can move or escape and cause injury to a person outside the containment area.

Any point along the centerline of the runway of an aerodrome or ALA.

That part of the aerodrome to be used for take-off, landing, and taxiing of aircraft, consisting of the maneuvring area and the aprons.

This means any areas and airspace below 400ft AGL that are:

• Within 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the controlled aerodrome or
• Within the approach and departure paths referred to in the MOS section 4.05, whether or not they extend beyond 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the controlled aerodrome.

This means the area and airspace that is a cylinder:

• Whose centre is the centre of the HLS; and
• Which has a radius of 0.75 NM; and
• Which has a vertical height of 400 ft

This means the area and airspace that are:

• Within 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the non-controlled aerodrome; or
• Within the approach and departure paths referred to in the MOS Section 9.06, whether or not they extend beyond 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the non-controlled aerodrome.

This means the following personnel of a certified RPA operator:

• The chief executive officer (the CEO)
• The chief remote pilot (the CRP)
• The maintenance controller.

Applied to items on which a determination of their continued airworthiness can be made by visual inspections, measurements, tests and other means without disassembly inspection or overhaul.

An area that has a sufficient density of population for some aspect of the operation or some event that might happen during the operation (in particular, a fault in, or failure of, the aircraft) to pose an unreasonable risk to the life, safety or property of somebody who is in the area but is not connected with the operation.

Each of the following:

• The no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome;
• The no-fly zone of an HLS.

This means any point of non-controlled airspace into which the manned aircraft is flying at a particular time that is both less than 3 NM in distance and less than 1500 ft in height from any point of the airspace in which the RPA is flying at the same time.

A crewed aircraft is within relevant airspace, including when the aircraft is in the course of approaching, landing at, taking off from, or manoeuvring in the movement area of the aerodrome.

A crewed aircraft is identified within relevant airspace during EVLOS operations.

This means the trained observer is tasked with carrying out the observer’s duties. These being 

• Be deemed as component by the CRP (or delegate) to conduct observer duties for that type of operation;
• Have passed a proficiency check within the previous 12 months.

This means the person designated as being in command of the RPA operation and charged with the safe conduct of the operation

NOTE: the RPIC does not have to be the RP

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a system where aircraft automatically transmit their precise location using onboard electronics and a 1090MHz digital data link. This system operates without pilot input and sends GPS-based data every half-second, including the aircraft’s position, altitude, and velocity. This information is displayed on screens used by other aircraft and air traffic control for accurate tracking, eliminating the need for radar. Ground stations and satellites receive these broadcasts, which also cover the aircraft’s ID, emergency status, and more, enabling tracking over distances up to 250 nautical miles, depending on terrain and altitude. Dedicated ADS-B ground stations then relay this information to air traffic control for meticulous monitoring.