Drone Licence: Everything You Need to Know

Drones have revolutionised industries like film, agriculture, real estate, and infrastructure, but navigating the rules and regulations surrounding drone operations is critical to ensuring safe and legal flights. One of the most important steps to take if you’re serious about flying drones commercially in Australia is to obtain your drone licence (Remote Pilot Licence or RePL). This certification not only ensures that you’re flying safely but also opens up a wide range of professional opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

At Flying Glass, we specialise in training drone pilots through our drone school, where we offer flexible RePL courses tailored for individuals and organisations, including government bodies and councils. Whether you’re looking to upskill your team or get certified yourself, we provide expert training and comprehensive guidance to help you navigate the process of becoming a licensed drone pilot.

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What is a Drone Licence (RePL) in Australia?

In Australia, a drone licence refers to the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), which is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This certification allows drone operators to fly remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) weighing more than 2 kg for commercial purposes. Essentially, if you’re being paid to fly a drone, you need an RePL to ensure that you’re operating safely and within the confines of the law.

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The RePL covers important aspects of drone operations, including:

  • Flight theory (understanding aviation regulations, meteorology, and navigation)
  • Practical flying (handling the drone in various conditions)
  • Emergency procedures (how to respond to unforeseen circumstances)

Our courses at Flying Glass cover all of these areas in-depth, ensuring that every pilot leaves our school with the confidence and skills they need to operate safely and effectively.

Flying Glass Drone School: Learn From the Experts

Flying Glass is not just an industry leader in drone cinematography—we’re also a CASA-certified training provider offering RePL courses that set you up for success. Our drone school offers comprehensive training that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical flying skills.

We understand that every pilot has different needs, which is why we offer flexible course options. Whether you’re an individual looking to start a career in drone operations or an organisation seeking to upskill your team, we provide bespoke training solutions to meet your goals.

Training for Organisations and Government Bodies

In addition to our standard RePL courses, Flying Glass also offers tailored drone licence training for organisations, including councils and government bodies. We understand that these entities often need a customised approach, which is why we offer on-site training where we come to you. These bespoke courses are designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation, whether it’s for infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, or emergency response.

This hands-on training ensures that your team is not only equipped with a drone licence but also the skills necessary to perform complex operations in real-world environments. With years of experience working on high-profile projects, Flying Glass brings unparalleled expertise to every training session.

What Can You Do With a Drone Licence?

A drone licence opens up a world of possibilities. With an RePL, you can operate drones for a variety of commercial purposes, from aerial photography and cinematography to agricultural mapping, surveying, and infrastructure inspections. The licence allows you to fly larger drones, undertake more complex missions, and potentially work on high-paying projects that require a professional-level operator.

Some of the key benefits of holding an RePL include:

  • The ability to fly drones weighing more than 2 kg commercially
  • Permission to operate in controlled airspace (with CASA approval)
  • Enhanced career opportunities in industries such as film, real estate, agriculture, and infrastructure
  • The ability to apply for additional endorsements, such as night operations or flying in controlled airspace

Without a drone licence, you’re restricted to flying for recreational purposes only, and there are limitations on the weight of the drone and where you can legally operate it. Having an RePL not only removes these limitations but also positions you as a professional in the growing drone industry.

What Can’t You Do Without a Drone Licence?

If you’re operating a drone without a drone licence, you’re limited to flying for recreational purposes only. CASA’s regulations restrict unlicensed operators in the following ways:

  • You cannot fly drones weighing more than 2 kg for commercial purposes
  • You are prohibited from flying in controlled airspace (e.g., near airports)
  • You cannot accept payment for drone operations
  • You are restricted to operating in specific areas and must avoid populous areas, emergency situations, and certain airspace

These limitations are put in place to protect public safety, as unlicensed operators may not have the necessary knowledge to safely navigate complex environments.

Flying Glass is dedicated to helping operators understand what they can and can’t do without a licence and how obtaining an RePL can significantly expand their opportunities.

The Role of a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

While an RePL allows an individual to fly drones commercially, organisations that wish to operate drones for profit need to obtain a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC). The ReOC is issued to companies, allowing them to legally conduct drone operations for commercial purposes. In addition, organisations holding an ReOC must designate a chief pilot, who is responsible for overseeing the safety and legality of all drone operations within the company.

At Flying Glass, we provide consultancy services for businesses looking to apply for an ReOC. This process involves preparing comprehensive documentation, including an operations manual that outlines safety protocols, flight procedures, and emergency responses. Our team of experts will guide you through the process of obtaining your ReOC and ensure that your business is set up for success.

Why You Need a Chief Pilot for ReOC Operations

For businesses holding an ReOC, appointing a chief pilot is a crucial requirement. The chief pilot is responsible for overseeing the safety and compliance of all drone operations within the organisation, ensuring that every flight is conducted according to CASA regulations.

A qualified chief pilot must have extensive experience and hold an RePL, along with additional training that equips them to manage multiple pilots, complex operations, and ensure compliance with CASA’s stringent regulations. At Flying Glass, we offer consultancy services to help businesses find and train their chief pilots, ensuring that your operations are always in safe hands.

Drone Licences Outside of Australia

While this post focuses primarily on the drone licence requirements in Australia, it’s worth noting that different countries have their own licensing requirements. If you plan to operate drones internationally, you may need to obtain additional licences or permissions depending on the country.

For example, in the United States, commercial drone operators must obtain a Part 107 licence from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Similarly, many European countries require drone pilots to obtain certifications that align with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.

If you’re planning to operate drones outside of Australia, Flying Glass can help you understand the requirements and ensure you’re compliant with international regulations.

Conclusion: Get Your Drone Licence with Flying Glass

Obtaining a drone licence is the first step towards unlocking the full potential of drone operations, whether for individual use or within a business. At Flying Glass, our RePL training courses provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a certified drone pilot, allowing you to fly legally and safely in Australia. We also offer consultancy services for businesses looking to obtain an ReOC or appoint a chief pilot, ensuring that your organisation is fully compliant with CASA regulations.

Contact us today to learn more about our drone licence training programs, organisational courses, and consultancy services, and take the next step in your drone career.