Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular over the years. They are used for a wide range of purposes, including aerial photography, surveying, and even delivering goods. In Australia, commercial drone operations are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Anyone who wishes to operate a drone for commercial purposes must obtain a Remote Pilot License (RePL) and a Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC). In this blog, we will explore the requirements for obtaining these licenses and certificates in Australia.
Remote Pilot License (RePL)
A Remote Pilot License is a certificate that allows an individual to operate a drone for commercial purposes. To obtain an RePL, you must complete a training course that is approved by CASA. The course will cover topics such as:
1. Aviation laws and regulations related to drone operations in Australia.
2. Aerodynamics and principles of flight.
3. Drone systems and maintenance.
4. Risk assessment and management.
5. Navigation and mapping.
The duration of the course will depend on the provider you choose. However, most courses take around five days to complete. Once you have completed the course, you must pass a theory test and a practical flight assessment. The test will cover the topics you learned during the course, and the practical assessment will test your ability to operate a drone safely and efficiently.
Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC)
A Remote Operators Certificate is a certificate that allows a business or organization to operate drones for commercial purposes. To obtain an ReOC, the business or organization must demonstrate that they have the necessary safety systems and procedures in place to operate drones safely. The requirements for obtaining an ReOC include:
1. A Safety Management System (SMS) that meets CASA's requirements.
2. A Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) who holds an RePL and is responsible for the safety of all drone operations.
3. A detailed Operations Manual that outlines the procedures and processes for conducting drone operations.
4. A list of all drones that will be used for commercial operations, including their specifications and maintenance records.
5. Evidence of appropriate insurance coverage. The process of obtaining an ReOC can take several months. The business or organization must submit an application to CASA, and CASA will review the application and conduct an audit of the organization's safety systems and procedures. Once the audit is complete, CASA will issue the ReOC if the business or organization meets all the requirements.
Australian Aerial Imagery and its licenses
Australian Aerial Imagery is a drone services company that has been fully licensed since 2014. The company holds both an RePL and an ReOC, and its Chief Remote Pilot holds a Commercial Helicopter Pilot License (CPL-H). This demonstrates the company's commitment to safety and professionalism in all its drone operations. Australian Aerial Imagery's Chief Remote Pilot has undergone extensive training and has years of experience in the aviation industry. This expertise allows the company to offer a wide range of drone services, including aerial photography, mapping, and inspection services.
In conclusion, obtaining a Remote Pilot License and a Remote Operators Certificate is a necessary step for anyone who wishes to operate drones over 2kg in weight for commercial purposes in Australia. The process can be lengthy and requires a significant investment of time and money. However, it is essential to ensure the safety of all drone operations and to comply with all the relevant laws and regulations. Australian Aerial Imagery's commitment to safety and professionalism sets an excellent example for other drone services companies to follow.
In the meantime if you require any drone work to be undertaken, then please feel free to contact Australian Aerial via the website contact page that can be found a www.aaisydney.com.au
