Australian Basic Rules for All Drone Operators

Operating a drone in Australia requires adherence to a set of fundamental rules established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These basic rules apply to all drone operators, whether the drone is being used for recreational or commercial purposes. Understanding and following Australian Basic Rules is essential to ensure safe, responsible, and legal drone operations. By adhering to these regulations, operators can minimize risks and contribute to a safer airspace while avoiding legal complications.

Age Requirements

Minimum Age for Drone Operators

• Recreational Operators: There is no minimum age requirement for flying a drone recreationally in Australia. However, CASA recommends that children under 16 years old fly under adult supervision.
• Commercial Operators: To hold a Remote Pilot License (RePL) and operate drones commercially, individuals must be at least 16 years old. Operators under the age of 18 may still need supervision from a licensed adult.

Registration

Drone and Operator Registration

• Mandatory Registration: All drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered with CASA before they can be legally flown. This applies to both recreational and commercial drones. Registration helps CASA track drone usage and ensure that operators are informed about the regulations.
• Operator Accreditation: In addition to registering the drone, operators must obtain accreditation from CASA, which involves passing an online quiz to demonstrate their understanding of the basic rules and safety requirements for drone operations.

Exemptions

• Micro Drones: Drones weighing less than 250 grams do not need to be registered with CASA, provided they are used for recreational purposes and comply with the basic operational rules.

Remote Pilot License (RePL) and Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

Understanding RePL and ReOC

• Remote Pilot License (RePL): The RePL is required for individuals who wish to operate drones commercially or conduct more complex operations, such as flying in controlled airspace or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The RePL involves both theoretical knowledge and practical flight training to ensure the operator can conduct safe and compliant operations.
• Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC): The ReOC is necessary for organizations that manage multiple drones or conduct higher-risk operations. It certifies that the organization has the necessary safety management systems, qualified personnel, and operational procedures to conduct drone operations safely.

How to Obtain RePL and ReOC

• RePL Process: To obtain a RePL, operators must complete a training course approved by CASA, which includes both theoretical and practical components. After completing the course, operators must pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
• ReOC Application: To obtain an ReOC, organizations must submit a detailed application to CASA, including an Operations Manual and Risk Assessment. The application must demonstrate that the organization has the necessary infrastructure, procedures, and safety management systems in place.

Identification

Marking Your Drone

• Visible Identification: All registered drones must display their registration number clearly and visibly on the drone’s body. This marking must be durable, legible, and placed in a location that is easy to see during flight operations.
• Compliance Labels: Operators must also ensure that the drone is equipped with any required compliance labels, such as CASA’s registration sticker or other regulatory markings.

Operational Limits

Maximum Altitude

• Height Restriction: Drones must not be flown higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. This limit is set to prevent conflicts with manned aircraft and ensure that drones operate safely below commercial flight paths.
• Exceptions: Higher altitude operations are only permitted with special authorization from CASA, typically for specific use cases such as surveying or infrastructure inspections.

Distance from People and Property

• Safe Distance Requirements: Operators must maintain a safe distance of at least 30 meters from people who are not involved in the operation. This rule helps minimize the risk of injury or damage in the event of a drone malfunction or crash.
• Crowded Areas: Drones should not be flown over large gatherings of people, such as concerts, sporting events, or festivals, without specific authorization from CASA.

Restricted Airspace

• No-Fly Zones: Drones must not be flown within 5.5 kilometers of a controlled aerodrome (an airport with an active control tower) or in other restricted areas, such as near military bases or emergency response sites.
• Geofencing Technology: Many drones are equipped with geofencing technology that automatically prevents them from entering restricted airspace. Operators should ensure that this feature is enabled and functioning correctly.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

• Requirement: Operators must keep their drone within visual line of sight at all times. This means the drone must be visible to the operator without the use of visual aids such as binoculars or telescopes.
• Use of Spotters: If the operation requires extended range or complex maneuvers, operators can use a visual observer or spotter to help maintain VLOS and ensure safety.

Night Operations

• Lighting Requirements: Drones operated at night must be equipped with appropriate lighting to ensure visibility. This includes anti-collision lights visible from at least 3 nautical miles.
• Certification: Night operations typically require additional certification or authorization from CASA, ensuring that the operator is trained and prepared for the unique challenges of night flying.

Summary

Adhering to Australian basic Rules is crucial for ensuring that drone operations in Australia are conducted safely and legally. By understanding and following these regulations, operators can minimize risks, avoid penalties, and contribute to a safer airspace for everyone. Whether flying for recreation or commercial purposes, operators must always prioritize safety and compliance with CASA’s guidelines to ensure responsible and legal drone usage.