Big win for drone operators as red tape cut

In a major win for photographers who operate lightweight drones for commercial use, changes recently annouced by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) means that they will no longer need to obtain a number of regulatory approvals.

The changes, which come into effect from 29 September 2016, are designed to cut regulatory costs for operators of drones weighing less than 2kg (maximum take-off weight). Commercial operators will no longer require an operator’s certificate and remote pilot licence to operate commercially.

The new regulations will cover many popular lightweight drones including the DJI Phantom 2,3 and 4; Xiro Xplorer Vision Drone; Parrot Bebop2; 3DR Solo and Yuneec Typhoon.

Operators of such aircraft will still need to notify CASA that they intend to use their remotely piloted aircraft for commercial flights according to a set of standard operating conditions. These include: flying only during the day, wiith visual line of sight; below 120 metres; keeping more than 30 metres away from other people; flying more than 5.5 kms from controlled aerodromes; and not operating near emergency situations.

Under the changes, private landholders will be permitted to carry out a range of activities on their own land without the need for approvals from CASA, including operating remotely piloted aircraft up to 25 kgs in weight where no money is exchanged for flights.

CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore, said the changes to the remotely piloted aircraft regulations maintain 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," he 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."

The explanatory statement for the changes is available here.