Can I fly my drone?

So you've got a drone and want to fly it. What are the rule and can you just go flying anywhere you like?

Put simply, absolutely you can enjoy flying your drone in over 95% of air space around Australia. But, and this is a 'big' BUT - there are a number of rules and regulations to be aware of when flying your drone.

First things first you need to establish if you are simply flying for fun or as a commercial operator. It's pretty easy to work this out because the rules are simple - if you are being paid to fly the drone, take photos or video with the drone or being paid with any form of reward for flying the drone then it's absolutely a commercial operation.

Now there's a small caveat to all of this activity of flying drone and it all comes down to the weight of the drone you are using. The cut off point for a lot of the base rules is sub 249 grams. That means if your drone is under 249g you can

Check the size and weight of your drone with the CASA website.

Flying drones in Australia is governed by a comprehensive set of rules designed to ensure safety for both the drone operator and the public. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is responsible for regulating drone use in the country, providing guidelines for both recreational and commercial drone operations.

Recreational Drone Use:

For those flying drones for fun, there are several key rules to adhere to. Firstly, drones must only be flown during daylight hours and always within the visual line of sight of the operator. This means that you must be able to see the drone with your own eyes at all times, without the aid of binoculars, screens, or goggles.

Next up, drones cannot be flown higher than 120 meters (approximately 400 feet) above ground level, and they must maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from other people. In addition to this, flying over or above people is prohibited at all times.

If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you are required to keep it at least 5.5 kilometers away from controlled airports (those with control towers - simply ), and you must not fly over or near areas affecting public safety or emergency operations unless approved by the person in charge. You are also restricted from flying in populous areas like busy beaches, parks, or during events where there is a concentration of people. For the latest information, always check with a CASA-verified drone safety app or visit CASA's website for updates.

Commercial Drone Use: If you're planning to fly drones commercially, additional regulations apply. Drones used for commercial activities need to be registered with CASA, and the operator must either hold a remote pilot license (RePL) or fly within the 'excluded' category for drones under 2kg. This category allows for commercial operations with less stringent rules provided certain conditions are met, like pre-flight notifications to CASA and adherence to standard operational conditions. For heavier drones or operations outside these conditions, obtaining a RePL is necessary, which involves training and passing an examination. Commercial pilots must also keep records of their flights.

General Rules: Both recreational and commercial operators must not fly their drones in ways that create hazards to aircraft, people, or property. This includes not flying through clouds or in foggy conditions, ensuring the drone does not interfere with emergency services, and respecting privacy by not taking unauthorized photos or videos of individuals. Specific areas like national parks, certain landmarks, and correctional facilities have additional restrictions or bans on drone flights, which vary by state and can require specific permissions from local authorities.

State and Territory Regulations: Beyond CASA's national regulations, states and territories in Australia might have their own rules regarding drone usage. For instance, in Queensland, there are specific restrictions within national parks, where flying a drone might need a permit, especially for commercial purposes. Thus, it's crucial to check local laws and regulations before flying, particularly in sensitive areas like wildlife reserves or near historical sites.

Penalties: Breaching these regulations can result in fines, with penalties varying based on the severity of the breach. CASA has the power to issue fines for non-compliance, and in some cases, court penalties can be significantly higher.

In summary, flying a drone in Australia involves understanding and adhering to both national and potentially local regulations, ensuring safety and respect for privacy and public spaces. Remember, the rules are subject to change, so staying informed through official channels or CASA's resources is essential for any drone operator.

Visit the CASA website here to find out more - https://www.casa.gov.au/drones