My son and I (both droners--him with his
Mavic 2 Pro and me with my new
Mini 4 Pro) Will be in Sydney in early August. Taking in a performance at the Opera House 8/3. Staying at YHA Sydney Harbour. We'll rent a car for 1-2 days as needed. We want to hike the bridge and do some drone flying around the Sydney area. Then we're off to Cairns for a week plus of snorkeling, sight-seeing and more droning! Any of you Aussies have recommendations as to where to do our flying?
I can't help you with flying locations, but flying a drone in Australia is a bit different from flying in the US an a Part 107 Certification is not valid in Australia.
To fly a drone as a tourist in Australia, you must follow their rules set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which includes: only flying during daylight hours. Unlike her ein the US where yu can fly at night…
Same there, keeping your drone within visual line-of-sight, not flying over people, maintaining a distance of at least 30 meters from others. And that's about 100 feet from people lateraly and that does not matter how high you are flying…
And there are special rule fore drones over 250 grams, perhaps a license and registeration… But I'll let you research that…
Assuming you are flying Qantas, you can bring a drone on their Airlines if it meets their safety and battery requirements. You should contact Qantas directly if you have questions about their policy.
Battery requirements:
*** Lithium-ion batteries in devices must be declared at check-in.
*** Batteries over 160Wh must be sent as freight.
*** Devices with batteries must be completely turned off and protected from accidental activation.
*** Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in your carry-on bag.
Other requirements:
*** You may need approval from Qantas before flying, depending on the battery type and wattage.
*** Qantas will review your item at the airport if you don't have a Dangerous Goods annual approval.
Tips:
*** Use the Can I pack that? app or website to help you determine what you can pack.
*** Get confirmation from Qantas about their policy in case you have issues at the airport.
And here are some more Aussie references about flying Drones in their homeland… Without putting too fine a pint on it, "You are aren't in Kansas anymore…" or the USA…
Australia’s recreational drone rules are designed to keep you and others safe, on the ground and in the air. Here are the rules you need to know now, before you take-off.
www.casa.gov.au
I hope you have a great time and post lots of photos and videos…
