April 4, 2016
Red tape controlling the use of small drones in commercial and farming operations has been cut by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Commercial operators will no longer need to obtain a number of regulatory approvals, including an operator’s certificate and a remote pilot licence.
The move will cut regulatory costs by thousands of dollars as well as saving time and paperwork.
The changes, which will take effect on September 29, apply to remotely piloted aircraft used in commercial operations weighing less than 2kg maximum at take-off.
These operators will simply need to notify the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that they intend to use very small remotely piloted aircraft for commercial flights according to a set of standard operating conditions.
These mandatory conditions include flying only during the day, along a visual line of sight, below 120m, keeping more than 30m away from other people, flying more than 5.5km from controlled aerodromes and not operating near emergency situations.
CASA will provide an easy-to-use online notification system.
The package of changes made to the regulations covering remotely piloted aircraft also permits private landholders to carry out a range of activities on their own land without the need for approvals from CASA.
These include remotely piloted aircraft up to 25kg in weight where no money is paid for flights.
CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore, said the changes to the remotely piloted aircraft regulations maintained appropriate safety standards while cutting red tape.
“While safety must always come first, CASA’s aim is to lighten the regulatory requirements where we can,” Mr Skidmore said.
“The amended regulations recognise the different safety risks posed by different types of remotely piloted aircraft.
“People intending to utilise the new very small category of commercial operations should understand this can only be done if the standard operating conditions are strictly followed and CASA is notified.
“Penalties can apply if these conditions are not met.”
