Do I need a License to Fly My Drone in Australia?

In Australia, the use of drones is regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which has set the specific requirements depending on the purpose of drone operation -recreational or commercial. Even if you are planning to fly just for fun, understanding these regulations is crucial for all drone operators to ensure safety and compliance.​ 

When flying your drone, be it for recreational or commercial purposes we highly recommend using the Ok2Fly App to check if it’s safe to fly at any given location around Australia. Visit www.ok2fly.com.au for the desktop version or download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and get started for free.

So what are the rules for Drone use in Australia?

Recreational Drone Use

For recreational users, operating drones is subject to certain safety guidelines but does not typically require formal licensing or registration. Key rules include:​

• Altitude Limit: Drones must not fly higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.​

• Proximity to People: Maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from other people and avoid flying over individuals.​

• Operational Hours: Flights are permitted only during daylight hours.​

• Visual Line-of-Sight: Keep the drone within visual line-of-sight, meaning it should be visible without the use of devices like screens or goggles.​

• Prohibited Areas: Avoid flying in populous areas such as beaches, parks, events, or sports ovals during games.​

• Emergency Operations: Do not fly over or near areas where emergency operations are underway, including ambulance, police, search and rescue, or firefighting efforts.​

• Controlled Airspace: If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, maintain a distance of at least 5.5 kilometers from controlled airports. For drones weighing 250 grams or less, flights are allowed up to 45 meters within this radius, provided the airport boundary is avoided and other aircraft are not endangered.​

  
  

These guidelines ensure that recreational drone operations do not interfere with manned aircraft and respect public safety and privacy. ​

AviAssist is a leading Drone Pilot Training provider partnering with Ok2Fly around Australia.

Commercial Drone Use

Commercial drone operations in Australia are subject to more stringent regulations, including mandatory registration and licensing.

If you intend to use a drone for business purposes—such as aerial photography, surveying, or inspections—you must:​

1. Register the Drone: All drones used for business must be registered with CASA, regardless of their weight. Registration requires the operator to be at least 16 years old. ​

2. Obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL): Commercial pilots must hold an RePL, which involves completing an accredited training program that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical flight training.​

3. Secure a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC): Businesses operating drones commercially must obtain an ReOC, which authorizes the operation of drones under specific conditions outlined in the organization's operations manual.​

   
   

Additionally, commercial operators must conduct pre-flight checks, maintain accurate flight logs, and adhere to all safety guidelines to mitigate risks associated with drone operations. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in penalties, including fines or suspension of flying privileges. ​

What other elements should you consider beyond national regulations?

We highly recommend all drone operators should be aware of state and territory-specific rules, as well as local council restrictions. These can vary and may include additional requirements or restrictions on drone use. It's essential to research and understand any local regulations applicable to your intended flight area. ​ This can include national parks, private property, flying over the Great Barrier Reef and other heritage listed sites and much more.

Whether operating drones for recreational enjoyment or commercial purposes in Australia, adherence to CASA regulations is mandatory. Recreational users should follow safety guidelines to ensure responsible flying, while commercial operators must fulfill registration and licensing requirements to legally and safely conduct their activities. Staying informed about both national and local regulations will help maintain safety and compliance in Australian airspace.​

To find out more about the benefits of using the Ok2Fly App for the safest way to operate your drone simply visit the website and register a free account or jump straight into a full subscription available from $25 per month, cancel at any time or save $50 and go annual.

Visit www.ok2fly.com.au to get started.