Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (Drones)

RPA categories and weight classes

RPA are divided into a number of categories:

• aeroplane
• helicopter (single-rotor class or multi-rotor class)
• airship
• powered lift (hybrid aeroplanes with vertical take-off capability).

 

RPA are also divided into weight classes:

• micro: with a gross weight of 100 g or less
• very small: with a gross weight of more than 100 g and less than 2 kg
• small: with a gross weight of at least 2 kg and less than 25 kg
• medium: with a gross weight of at least 25 kg and less than or equal to 150 kg
• large: with a gross weight greater than 150 kg (or > 100 m3 envelope for airships).

 

Types of Operations

Excluded Category Operations

A RPAS can be operated without the need to obtain an RePL provided:

• It is a very small RPA (<2kg) and
• It is operated within the standard RPA operating conditions or
• It is a small RPA (<25kg) and
• It is operated within the standard RPA operating conditions and
• It is operated for training or experience or
• It is operated over the owner’s property (Landholder Rule)

 

Standard RPA Operating Conditions

the RPA is operated:

• by visual line of sight (VLOS) only - close enough to see, maintain orientation
• and achieve accurate flight and tracking
• no higher than 400 ft (120 m) above ground level
• during daytime only – effectively, not before sunrise or after sunset

the RPA is not operated

• any closer than 30 m from people not associated with the flight3
• in a prohibited area or restricted area
• in a restricted area that is classified as RA3
• over populous areas
• within 3 NM (5.5 KM) of the movement area of a controlled aerodrome – one
• with an operating control tower
• in the area of a public safety operation without the approval of a person in
• charge of the operation

only 1 RPA flown per pilot at any one time.

 

All other operations will require the operator to have a Remote Pilot Licence and operate under a RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

Remote Pilot Licence - RePL

Summary

Allows the holder to operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that is greater than 2kg mass for business or as part of your job in circumstances that need specialist training.

 

Requirements

An applicant for a RePL must:

• Pass an aeronautical knowledge examination equivalent to that required for a Recreational Pilot Licence
• Complete the required training course for the category of RPA tone operated
• Pass a flight test
• Have at least 5 hours experience in operating an RPA

 

A person who holds a flight crew licence is taken to have met the aeronautical knowledge requirement.

 

RPA Operator’s Certificate - ReOC

Summary

A ReOC permits a range of RPA operations—subject to approval—that are unavailable to other operators.

 

Requirements

• A ReOC is required for any operation that is not an excluded RPA operation, including for:
• all RPA operating outside of the SOCs, other than micro RPA and model aircraft operations
• RPA weighing more than 2 kg whether or not flying under the SOCs, unless meeting the 'landholder' criteria.
• all operations with a large RPA

 

For more information visit the CASA Drones web page.