Drone Class-Specific Australian Regulations Explained
Taking Flight Down Under: Australian Drone Regulations Explained
Down under, drone operations are governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), with rules varying based on the drone's weight, purpose, and operation. Get ready for a comprehensive breakdown of the regulations for micro, very small, small, medium, and large drones, covering registration, operational limits, and exemptions.
Drone Weigh-In
- Micro drones: Typically under 250 grams
- Very Small and Small drones: Generally between 250 grams and 2 kg
- Medium drones: Between 2 kg and 25 kg
- Large drones: Above 25 kg, including some operations up to 150 kg
Registering Your Drone
- Drones weighing more than 250 grams require registration with CASA for both recreational and commercial use.
- Commercial operations demand registration irrespective of weight.(1)(5)
Licensed to Drone
- Commercial drone operations need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) placement year.
- A Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) is also essential for commercial operators, issued by CASA(1).
- CASA is proposing simplifications for licensing medium drones (25kg to 150kg) by allowing RePLs and ReOCs to cover classes, not individual drone models.
Flying Rules
- The standard operational ceiling is generally 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level, but CASA is proposing changes that would allow RePL holders to operate above 400 feet near structures and within 120 meters horizontally of them(2).
- Flying over or near people is permitted with either their consent or low-energy, low-risk operations. CASA also requires specific operations risk assessments(2).
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are complex at the moment; CASA is considering simplifications, like self-assessment for experienced operators(2).
Recreational Flyers
- Drones over 250 grams must be registered, but those under 250 grams may not.
- However, uploading footage to monetized platforms or using drones for commercial purposes triggers registration and licensing requirements(5).
(1) Australian Drone Safety Requirements(2) Advanced Drone Operations in Australia(5) Felicia Magdolna
Pros and Cons of Australian Drone Regulations
Pros
- Comprehensive drone safety guidelines
- Streamlined regulations proposed for medium drones
- Greater flexibility in operational scenarios
Cons
- Strict licensing requirements for commercial operations
- Frequent updates and changes in regulations
Dive Deeper
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Gadgets like drones fall under the umbrella of technology regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, with rules differentiating based on a drone's weight, purpose, and operation. Registration is necessary for anyone operating a drone over 250 grams, while commercial operations require both a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC).
