Updated Excluded Category Guide

Updated Plain English Guide for Excluded Category Drone Operations

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has released an updated version of the Micro and Excluded Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operations – Plain English Guide. This revision, Version 2.2 (December 2024), includes important changes to improve clarity and align with evolving regulations.

What’s New in Version 2.2? Updated Excluded Category Guide

This update brings several amendments to terminology, airspace rules, and operational procedures. Key changes include:

Standardised Measurements

• Removed all references to feet and nautical miles.
• The guide now exclusively uses metric units.

Clarified Airspace Rules

• Defined altitude as the vertical distance above mean sea level (AMSL).
• Defined height as the vertical distance above ground level (AGL).
• Introduced a no-fly zone around helicopter landing sites (HLS): 1.4 km radius and 120 m height.
• Revised the no-fly zone definition for non-controlled aerodromes to match controlled aerodrome requirements.

Operational Guidance Updates

• Excluded Category Operations: Removed the reference that operator accreditation holders need recreational accreditation.
• Pre-flight Requirements: Removed a section on notification requirements.
• Drone Safety Apps: Expanded terminology to include restricted areas and military operating areas.
• Controlled Aerodromes: Micro RPA may now fly within 5.5 km of a controlled aerodrome’s measurement point, up to 45 m, with specific restrictions.
• Restricted Airspace: Changed terminology from Prohibited Restricted Danger (PRD) to Special Use Airspace (SUA).
• Emergency Procedures: Updated regulatory references from Part 99 to Part 92.

Enhanced Definitions and Graphics

• Updated guidance on populous areas for better clarity.
• Allowed subject tracking for autonomous RPA operations.
• Adjusted graphics for aerodrome approach and departure paths.
• Revised incident and accident reporting requirements. Reporting for micro and excluded RPA operators is now voluntary through the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Why This Matters

These changes improve the clarity and usability of the guide for drone operators. The shift to metric units ensures consistency with aviation standards. The updated airspace definitions and operational rules enhance safety and compliance, making it easier for drone pilots to understand their responsibilities.

Where to Access the Updated Guide: Updated Excluded Category Guide

You can download the latest version of the CASA Plain English Guide for Micro and Excluded RPA Operations here.

Staying informed on regulatory updates ensures safe and compliant drone operations. Be sure to review the latest changes before your next flight!

Fly Safe:- The Hover UAV Team