• New drone rules came into effect on 29 Septmeber, allowing operators to fly their sub 2kg drone commercially without the need to be certified. Credit: CASA
    New drone rules came into effect on 29 Septmeber, allowing operators to fly their sub 2kg drone commercially without the need to be certified. Credit: CASA
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CASA releases new unmanned operations

6 October 2016
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Katherine Ziesing | Canberra

On September 29, new CASA regulations for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations came into effect with the aim of cutting red tape for smaller operators and provide increased flexibility for larger operations.

This regulation under section 101 updates terminology to align with the International Civil Aviation Organisation. In particular, the term UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) now becomes RPA. Over time, CASA forms and processes will reflect these changes.

The amendments to Part 101 create new weight classifications for RPA:

  • very small (100g<2kg);
  • small (2-25kg) (where required with 7kg restriction);
  • medium (25-150kg); and
  • large (>150kg).

The regulation also introduces the concept of excluded RPA, representing RPA operations considered to be lower risk. These operations will have reduced regulatory requirements, such as not needing a UAV operator’s certificate (UOC) or a UAV controller’s certificate. From 29 September 2016, the operator’s certificate is called an RPA operator's certificate (ReOC) and the controller’s certificate is called a remote pilot licence (RePL).

 

"The amendments reduce the cost and legal requirements for lower-risk RPA operations."

 

Also effective from this date, commercial operators flying very small RPAs, 100g < 2kg, will not require a ReOC or an RePL. Operators will have to notify CASA at least five days before their first commercial flight and operate by the standard operating conditions.

The excluded RPA concept also allows private landowners to carry out some commercial-like operations on their own land with a small RPA without needing a ReOC or an RePL, provided they follow the standard operating conditions and none of the parties involved receive remuneration.

An operator flying a medium RPA in the excluded category must hold an RePL.

More details about flying RPAs in Australia can be found here.

The amendments have been a long time in the making with CASA consulting widely with industry and users in an effort to streamline the process.

“The amendments reduce the cost and legal requirements for lower-risk RPA operations, while more complex operational matters will receive greater flexibility and responsiveness via a new manual of standards to be developed with industry,” according to the Australian Association for Unmanned Systems.

AAUS is supportive of the risk-based approach adopted by CASA but concedes there is a need for additional initiatives to ensure a high standard of professionalism across the sector, particularly for those operators in the newly created “excluded category”. 

"AAUS’ aim is to see a safe and prosperous drone industry here in Australia, and we believe professional accreditation is a necessary supplement to the formal CASR 101 regulation,” AAUS president, Dr Reece Clothier said.

This article first appeared in the ADM Defence Week Premium 417 dated 6th October

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