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
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
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
- 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.
Reading
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.