Hold a Remote Pilot Licence / RPAS operator certificate (drones)
Commercial drone operations require operator certification + remote pilot licensing.
Who must comply
Commercial RPAS operators and pilots.
What triggers it
Operating an RPA commercially in Australian airspace.
When due
Before commencement; annual fitness-to-fly assessment.
Evidence required
ReOC, RePL, operations manual, maintenance records, flight logs.
Max penalty
Strict liability fines + suspension/cancellation
Summary
Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations requires drone operators conducting commercial operations to hold a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) and individual pilots to hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), except for sub-2kg micro RPA operating under the excluded RPA rules.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related obligations
- CWLTHAir Operator's Certificate & AMOS (CASR 119/121)Commercial air transport operators need an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) under CASR Parts 119/121, plus an AMOS and a safety management system.
- CWLTHFatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) — Pt 121, 135, 141, 142Air operators must operate within prescribed FDP or approved FRMS.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with a Remote Pilot Licence / RPAS operator certificate (drones)?
- Commercial RPAS operators and pilots.
- What triggers a Remote Pilot Licence / RPAS operator certificate (drones)?
- Operating an RPA commercially in Australian airspace.
- When is a Remote Pilot Licence / RPAS operator certificate (drones) due?
- Before commencement; annual fitness-to-fly assessment.
- What is the maximum penalty for a Remote Pilot Licence / RPAS operator certificate (drones)?
- Strict liability fines + suspension/cancellation
- What evidence is required for a Remote Pilot Licence / RPAS operator certificate (drones)?
- ReOC, RePL, operations manual, maintenance records, flight logs.
Source: https://casa.gov.au/drones. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.