Age Limit for Drone Pilot in Australia: What You Need to Know

Flying drones in Australia is a thrilling and accessible hobby, but when it comes to the legal side, especially age limits, things can get a little more complex. Whether you’re a parent wondering if your 12-year-old can take the controls, or you’re a teenager keen to explore drone piloting as a future career, it’s crucial to understand the age requirements for flying drones across Australia.

Can a 12 Year Old Use a Drone?

Yes, a 12-year-old can use a drone in Australia, but only under certain conditions. Recreational drone use is not restricted by age under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules. However, children under 16 are strongly encouraged to be supervised by an adult, especially if flying in public spaces or using a drone that weighs over 250 grams.

While there’s no official ban on children using drones recreationally, safety remains a key priority. Most consumer drones now feature built-in safety mechanisms like geofencing and altitude limits. Even so, proper training and supervision are essential to avoid fines or safety issues.

What is the Age Limit for Drones in Australia?

The age limit for drones depends on how you intend to use them. In Australia, there are two main categories of drone use: recreational and commercial. Let’s break them down:

Recreational Use

There is no minimum age requirement to fly a drone recreationally, but CASA advises that anyone under 16 should be closely supervised. Even for recreational flying, you must follow the standard drone safety rules.

Commercial Use (Flying for Money)

To fly commercially and be paid for your drone work, you’ll need to obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). According to CASA, the minimum age to obtain a RePL is 16 years old. This requirement applies whether you’re flying for a real estate project, TV commercial, or infrastructure inspection.

What is the Minimum Age to Fly a Drone Commercially?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in drone operations, you’ll need a RePL. CASA stipulates the following:

You must be at least 16 years of age
You must complete a RePL training course with a CASA-approved provider (like us at Flying Glass)
You must pass both a theory and practical assessment

Flying Glass offers RePL training courses across Australia, designed to suit beginners as well as those with existing flight experience. Our courses are open to anyone 16 and over, and we provide hands-on guidance and flight time at our accredited facilities.

Baby in pushchair flying large industrial drone in public – illustrating the age limit for drone pilot

Age Limit for Drone in NSW

In New South Wales, drone flying rules align with national CASA regulations. There is no special minimum age law for drone use in NSW. However, local councils may impose restrictions on where you can fly, especially in public parks and reserves. Always check with your local authority before flying.

Age Limit for Drone in QLD

Queensland follows the same federal standards: no age limit for recreational use and a minimum of 16 years for commercial RePL certification. Schools across Queensland have even introduced drone programs to help students understand the technology and regulations involved, often supervised by teachers who hold a RePL.

Age Limit for Drone in Victoria

Victoria also adheres to CASA’s national rules. Young pilots can fly drones recreationally without an age restriction, but for any commercial work, a RePL is required from age 16. Victorian schools and universities are increasingly incorporating drones into STEM programs, giving students a great head start into the world of RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft).

How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly a Drone in Australia?

To recap:

Recreational drone use: No official age limit, but supervision recommended for under-16s
Commercial drone use: Must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

These rules are designed to ensure safety, responsibility, and proper training in all drone operations. As drone use becomes more widespread across industries like construction, film, agriculture, and emergency services, these age limits help maintain a high standard of operation.

Why Age Matters: Safety and Accountability

Drones, while incredibly fun and useful, come with responsibilities. A drone weighing over 250 grams can cause injury or damage if not handled properly. Age restrictions are put in place to ensure that pilots have the maturity and judgement required to fly safely and follow the rules.

In addition, understanding how to interpret airspace maps, respect privacy laws, and obtain flight permissions are skills more easily grasped with age and education. This is why formal training is essential before flying drones for commercial purposes.

Can Kids Take a Drone Course?

At Flying Glass, we occasionally run drone introduction sessions for younger kids aged 12 and up, usually as part of school incursions or STEM programmes. However, for the full RePL training course, CASA mandates that students must be at least 16.

If you have a young aspiring drone pilot in the family, we recommend supervised recreational flying to build skills early. By the time they reach 16, they’ll be more than ready to get certified and fly commercially.

What Happens If You Fly Without a Licence?

Flying a drone commercially without the appropriate licence or permissions can result in hefty fines from CASA. It is not just a matter of insurance or legality – it’s also about safety. CASA takes illegal drone use seriously, particularly when drones are flown near airports, people, or in restricted airspace.

If you don’t have the permission to get the shots you need, we can do the shoot for you. Flying Glass is fully licensed with an Operator’s Certificate (OC) and decades of aviation experience. Our team can handle even the most complex shoots in restricted areas with the correct approvals in place.

Want to Fly Commercially? Start with Training

If you’re 16 or over and interested in flying drones commercially, getting your RePL is the first step. At Flying Glass, we offer accredited RePL training courses delivered by experienced pilots. Our courses are hands-on, comprehensive, and ideal for those looking to break into drone cinematography, inspections, agriculture, and more.

We also offer drone training courses for corporate teams and individuals, delivered at airports, private flying fields, or your workplace. Learn the rules, master your flying skills, and start your journey to becoming a licensed drone pilot in Australia.

Final Thoughts on the Age Limit for Drone Pilot in Australia

Age limits for drone pilots in Australia are straightforward: there’s no age barrier for recreational use, but commercial pilots must be at least 16. For parents, educators, and aspiring young pilots, the key is to ensure proper supervision and build skills early. For anyone keen to earn money flying drones, certification and training are non-negotiable.

Flying Glass is here to help every step of the way, from getting the right training to capturing the footage you need under complex airspace rules. Whether you’re 16 or 60, it’s never too late to take to the skies.