No licence required for recreational flyingDo you require a licence/permit to fly a drone in Australia?
General Rules for Flying a Drone in Australia
Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Australia.
In addition to following these rules, you can download the ‘Can I fly there?’ drone safety app. This official CASA app is an excellent tool for determining where you can and cannot fly a drone in Australia for those flying their drone recreationally or commercially.
- You must only fly during the day and keep your drone within visual line-of-sight. This means being able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (rather than through a device) at all times.
- You must not fly your drone higher than 120 meters (400ft) above the ground.
- You must keep your drone at least 30 meters away from other people.
- You must not fly your UAV over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway (without prior approval). This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire and associated firefighting efforts, and search and rescue.
- You must only fly one UAV at a time.
- You must not fly over or above people. This could include beaches, parks, events, or sport ovals where there is a game in progress.
- If your drone weighs more than 100g, you must keep at least 5.5km away from controlled aerodromes.
- Respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent—this may breach state laws.
For more information on Australia’s drone laws, see this page on the CASA website.
Licensing Requirements for Flying a Drone in Australia
If you fly a drone (remotely piloted aircraft) RPA under 2kg but for commercial reasons, you can fly your drone in what is called the ‘excluded’ category. This means you need to notify the CASA before you fly and operate within the standard operating conditions.
If you want to fly outside these operating conditions, you will need to be licensed (hold a remote pilot’s licence RePL) and fly with a certified operator to fly commercially.
Here is the process:
Learn more about licensing requirements for commercial operators on the CASA website.
- Apply for an aviation reference number
- Tell us before you fly
- Fly within the standard operating conditions
- Download the OpenSky App
Sorry, Yes for recreational use, I like to take landscape photos with my M2P.
Thanks for your helpAll good then.
If you take photos for recreational personal use, you can even sell them later if anyone ever indicates an interest.
You just have to take them at the time on a recreational flight to be legal under CASA guidelines.
You've got the right drone to take the best pics for drone buck.
How do you get Drone Buck?All good then.
If you take photos for recreational personal use, you can even sell them later if anyone ever indicates an interest.
You just have to take them at the time on a recreational flight to be legal under CASA guidelines.
You've got the right drone to take the best pics for drone buck.
Can't wait to get over the border to take some picsEnjoy flying here! It’s generally great - the usual tinfoil hat wearing anti-drone people about, but generally you will find the wide open spaces great - once you can travel around freely after COVID19 restrictions are lifted!
How do you get Drone Buck?
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