Requirements for commercial drone registration in Australia

All drones used for commercial purposes in Australia must be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), regardless of their weight​. This registration is valid for 12 months and is completed through CASA’s online myCASA portal. The individual or company registering the drone must be at least 16 years old.

Mandatory Registration for Commercial Operations

In Australia, mandatory drone registration was implemented in phases, becoming fully enforced by January 28, 2021, for all commercial drones. Flying a drone for business, work, or any commercial purpose, including selling photos or videos, inspecting industrial equipment, providing surveillance services, or conducting research and development, requires registration. Even if the drone activity is on behalf of an employer or business, registration is necessary. There is an annual registration levy of AUD $40 for commercial drones weighing more than 500 grams, while drones weighing 500 grams or less are exempt from this fee, making their registration free. A unique registration certificate is issued for each drone, and operators must be able to present this proof if requested by CASA or the police. Failure to register a commercial drone is a serious offence, with potential fines of up to $16,500.

Pilot Qualifications and Operational Requirements

Commercial drone operators in Australia must also meet specific pilot qualification requirements.

Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is generally required for flying drones larger than 2 kg for commercial purposes, or for conducting operations outside standard conditions. Obtaining an RePL involves formal training and an assessment from a CASA-certified UAV training provider, demonstrating a higher level of proficiency. This licence is mandatory for operating medium-sized remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg, even when flying on one’s own land. An RePL pilot is exempt from the basic RPA Operator Accreditation as it is a higher credential.

Remote Operator Accreditation

For small commercial operators, an RPA Operator Accreditation is available as a free online course and quiz. This accreditation is required for flying drones under 2 kg for work purposes if the pilot does not hold an RePL. The accreditation is valid for three years and covers basic airspace rules, safety practices, and legal obligations. Operators in this “excluded category” must notify CASA before flying and adhere to standard operating conditions, which include restrictions on where, when, and how high they can fly.

Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

Organisations or individuals undertaking extensive commercial work, especially high-risk activities like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, may need a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC). This certificate is an aviation operator’s licence for running a drone business and covers operational manuals, safety systems, and insurance. Many independent commercial pilots operate under the umbrella of a company that holds an ReOC rather than obtaining their own.

General Operating Conditions for Commercial Drones

Commercial drone operations, unless specific additional approvals are obtained, must adhere to standard operating conditions, which are largely similar to those for recreational flying.

These include:

• Altitude Limit: Drones must not fly higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level. This limit helps keep drones separate from manned aircraft flight paths.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Operators must maintain direct visual line of sight with their drone at all times, without relying solely on a camera feed or goggles. Operations must cease in conditions that impede visibility, such as fog or smoke.
• Distance from People: Drones must be kept at least 30 metres (100 feet) away horizontally from other people not directly involved in the operation and must never be flown directly over them.
• Daylight Operations: Flying is restricted to daylight hours. Night flights typically require special approval and usually a licensed operator.
• Single Drone Operation: Only one drone may be operated at a time unless the operator has a specialist ReOC and established safety procedures for swarm operations.
• Restricted Airspace and Airports: Commercial drones must stay clear of airports and aircraft flight paths. For controlled airports with a control tower, drones heavier than 250 grams must not be flown within 5.5 km. Flying inside an airport’s boundaries or in approach/departure corridors without approval is strictly prohibited. Operators should use CASA’s drone safety apps, such as “OpenSky” or “OK2Fly”, to check airspace maps and ensure they are not in restricted areas.
• Avoiding Populous Areas: Flying over or above populous areas like beaches, parks, sports events, or festivals is prohibited.

Additional Compliance Considerations

Commercial drone operators must also consider privacy laws, insurance, and local council regulations. While CASA does not directly regulate privacy, operators must comply with federal and state privacy laws, particularly when collecting personal data or filming individuals. Although not legally mandated, public liability insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential damages or injuries caused by drone operations. Many local councils and land managers, such as national parks, have specific rules and may require permits for drone flights in certain locations