Understanding and complying with drone regulations is a crucial first step before using automated drone flight for data capture and analysis. This article provides an overview of the drone regulations in Australia, the governing body, and the paths your company can take to begin drone operations.
Who governs drone operations in Australia?
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the government body that regulates aviation safety in Australia. CASA sets the rules for flying drones and has the authority to issue penalties for non-compliance. It is important to be familiar with their regulations before you fly.
Regulations for commercial drone operators
If you are flying a drone for work, you must have one of the following:
- An Operator Accreditation to fly a drone weighing 2 kg or less. You can fly a drone up to 25 kg if you are flying over your own land. This is known as the Excluded Category.
- A Remote Pilot License (RePL) to fly a drone more than 2 kg. The RePL holder must operate for an individual or business that holds a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC).
You can learn more: Plain English guide for Micro and Excluded RPA operations.
Paths for commercial drone operations
There are three paths for your company to conduct drone reality capture:
- Fly your drones under the Excluded Category of drone operations.
- Fly your drones under a company Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC) for more complex operations.
- Use Data on Demand to plan and order flights through DroneDeploy, which are then conducted by our ReOC-certified partner.
Option 1: Flying under the Excluded Category
This is the fastest way to begin using your own pilot and equipment. Many drones are compatible with DroneDeploy fall into the sub-2 kg category, which only requires a straightforward Operator Accreditation. For more information, see Supported Drones and Cameras.
Option 2: Flying under your company's ReOC
This path allows for more advanced flight operations, including flights with larger drones and the authority to apply to CASA for flight permission in some restricted airspaces. This option requires your pilots to hold a Remote Pilot License (RePL). If you are considering this path, please contact our Sales team for guidance. For more information on the equipment needed to fly with DroneDeploy, see Supported Drones and Cameras.
Option 3: Data on Demand
Data on Demand allows you to plan your mission in DroneDeploy and have our team execute the flight. We will email you a flight date, and the data will be uploaded directly to your project. This service is available for Teams and Enterprise customers. To learn more about how to order a flight mission with DroneDeploy, see Data on Demand.
Conclusion
Understanding the regulatory framework is essential for all commercial drone operators in Australia. Adhering to these regulations ensures safe and responsible drone usage, which fosters growth and innovation while preserving the safety and privacy of individuals.
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