RPA Operator Accreditation vs Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

The primary distinction between an RPA Operator Accreditation and a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) lies in their scope and the entity they authorise to operate drones in Australia.  The RPA Operator Accreditation is designed for individual pilots conducting commercial operations within specific “excluded categories” of drones, while the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is for individuals who have undergone more comprehensive training, allowing them to operate a wider range of drones for commercial purposes, often under an RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC).

RPA Operator Accreditation

The RPA Operator Accreditation is a simpler, entry-level certification for commercial drone use in Australia. It is primarily intended for individuals flying drones for business or as part of their job within certain weight and operational limitations.

Who Needs It

This accreditation is required for individuals flying drones commercially in Australia if they do not hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). This applies to activities such as selling photos or videos taken from a drone, inspecting industrial equipment, providing monitoring or security services, or any drone activities on behalf of an employer.

Drone Categories Covered

The RPA Operator Accreditation allows for commercial operation of drones in specific “excluded categories”:

• Micro RPAs: Drones weighing 250 grams or less.
• Very Small RPAs: Drones weighing more than 250 grams but no more than 2 kg.
• Small RPAs (Landowner/Private Landholder): Drones weighing more than 2 kg but no more than 25 kg, provided they are flown only over the operator’s own land and no payment is accepted for services. This category is often used for activities like crop or livestock inspections, land surveying, and agricultural operations on private property.

Requirements and Validity

Obtaining this accreditation is a free online process, generally completed through the myCASA portal. Applicants must be 16 years or older, have a myCASA account, a digital identity, an individual aviation reference number (ARN), and an understanding of the standard operating conditions for micro and excluded category RPAs. The process involves passing an online quiz with an 85% pass mark, consisting of 18 multiple-choice questions. The accreditation is valid for three years.

Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is a formal certification issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that allows individuals to operate drones commercially. It signifies a higher level of training and competency compared to the RPA Operator Accreditation.

Who Needs It

An RePL is required for individuals who intend to be a remote pilot for an individual or business conducting drone operations that fall outside the “excluded categories” or involve larger drones. This includes flying drones weighing over 25 kg, or flying drones of any weight in more complex scenarios such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), at night, or within 5.5 km of a controlled airport. Additionally, if an individual wishes to run a business offering commercial drone services independently (i.e., not working under an existing ReOC), they would need an RePL and an ReOC.

Training and Certification Process

Obtaining an RePL involves comprehensive training with a CASA-certified provider. The training typically takes around 5 days and includes both theoretical and practical components.

• Theory: Covers essential elements such as aviation language, threat and error management, risk management principles, map reading, air legislation, meteorology, principles of flight, ground station and telemetry equipment, pre- and post-flight checklists, and ground crew operations. Pilots must pass a theory assessment demonstrating knowledge of CASA rules and safe flying procedures.
• Practical: Requires a minimum of five hours of logged flight time and completion of a practical skills assessment, often including flight tests on a multi-rotor drone. Some courses also include training for night flying and close proximity operations.

Endorsements and Benefits

The standard RePL allows operation of drones up to 7 kg. Additional endorsements can be added to the licence to expand weight capabilities (e.g., Multi-Rotor 25kg Endorsement for drones up to 25 kg) or to fly different types of drones (e.g., Powered Lift Endorsement for VTOLs). Holding an RePL demonstrates that the pilot has met CASA’s rigorous standards for drone operation, showing they have the training and knowledge to operate drones safely, legally, and professionally. Benefits include the ability to work for drone services companies, obtain insurance as a drone pilot, promote oneself with CASA certification, and operate drones in restricted airspace, at night, or beyond line of sight with adequate training and approvals.

Relationship with RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

While an RePL is for the individual pilot, an RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) covers the business entity that conducts drone operations commercially. A business planning to use drones commercially or offer commercial drone services needs an ReOC to cover its entire operations. The ReOC holder must designate a Chief Controller who holds a valid RePL. Any drone pilot flying for a business that holds an ReOC must also possess their own RePL. An ReOC allows the holder to apply for permission to carry out complex operations, such as flying near people, at night, or beyond visual line of sight. RePL holders must operate under a ReOC unless they obtain their own ReOC to fly solo or launch their own business