Levy now mandatory for commerical drone use

From the start of 2021, anyone flying a drone for commercial purposes was required to complete mandatory, free registration with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). However, after 26 July CASA implemented a $40 levy per drone for any drone weighing more than 500g that is used for commercial purposes.

If you are selling photographs or video captured by your drone, or using it to inspect sites, then this fee is mandatory. The fines for flying an unregistered drone have been in place since 28 January 2021 and are stiff – up to $11,100. The CASA website states that you can be asked to produce your certificate of registration by an authorised representative of CASA or member of the Australian Federal Police or State and Territory police services.

Going forward, CASA will require anyone flying a drone weighing more than 250g, for fun, to gain accreditation. This will be required after 30 May 2022. Accreditation will be free, involve watching a short video, and taking a quiz. Accreditation will last for three years.

To brush up on the CASA drone safety rules, check out this link.

 

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