Can You Fly a Drone at Night?

Flying a drone at night opens up a new world of possibilities for aerial photography, surveying, security, and creative cinematography. But many drone operators often ask the same crucial question: can you fly a drone at night? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about night flights in Australia, from CASA regulations to technological capabilities, safety procedures, and more.

Flying Drones at Night in Australia – Rules Explained

First things first, can you fly a drone at night in Australia? The answer is yes — but only under specific conditions.

According to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), flying a drone at night is legal only if you are operating under a Remote Operator’s Certificate (OC) and the flight is conducted by a person with a valid Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). Recreational night flights are not permitted under standard rules, meaning you cannot fly a drone at night for fun unless you’ve obtained special permission.

So, if you’re wondering “can you fly drones at night recreationally?” — the short answer is no, unless you have specific CASA approval or are flying under a certified organisation like ours, Flying Glass, who can conduct night operations for film, TV, or commercial projects.

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Can you fly a drone at night? DJI Mavic 3 hovering over residential street with LED lights visible

Drone Night Flying with Flying Glass

At Flying Glass, our licensed operators and certified operations allow us to conduct drone night flying under CASA regulations. We are fully equipped for drone night flights whether it’s over cityscapes, remote bushland, or industrial sites. If you don’t have permission to conduct a night flight but need specific footage, we can handle the shoot for you and ensure compliance with all Australian airspace laws.

Night Flying a Drone in a Residential Neighbourhood?

One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Is night flying a drone in a residential neighbourhood allowed?” The same CASA rules apply — if you’re flying for commercial purposes and you have approval, then yes, you may conduct such flights. However, you must adhere to noise restrictions, maintain visual line of sight with the help of spotters or lighting, and avoid overflying people and private property without consent.

Do Drones Have Night Mode?

Yes, many drones today, particularly those from DJI, come equipped with a form of night mode or low-light optimisation. This enhances camera sensitivity in darker conditions, which is vital for safe navigation and capturing usable footage. These features make drone night flight safer and more effective, but they do not replace the need for CASA authorisation in Australia.

Does DJI Drone Work at Night?

Does DJI drone work at night? Absolutely. Most DJI models are designed with low-light sensors, bright status LEDs, and GPS stabilisation. However, obstacle avoidance sensors may not function reliably in total darkness, which can affect the drone’s autonomy and safety. For example, models like the DJI Mavic 3 Cine and Inspire 3 are commonly used for flying drone at night in professional settings because of their excellent camera performance and lighting features.

Can I Fly My DJI FPV Drone at Night?

Can I fly my DJI FPV drone at night? Only if you’re a licensed operator flying under an OC and have received night flight approval. FPV drones pose additional challenges, such as requiring a spotter to maintain line of sight. At Flying Glass, we’re experienced in both traditional and FPV night operations, with systems tailored for high-end film and TV shoots.

What Does the Green Light on a Drone at Night Mean?

What does the green light on a drone at night mean? The green LED typically indicates the drone’s orientation, often showing the starboard (right) side of the drone. Red is used for port (left), and white or blinking lights help identify the drone’s rear or front depending on the model. These lights are crucial for navigation and maintaining visibility during drone night flying.

How Far Can a Drone See at Night?

How far can a drone see at night? It depends on the drone’s camera and lighting systems. Most consumer-grade drones with standard cameras can see a few hundred metres with low-light sensors, but visibility drops significantly without ambient lighting. Industrial drones or those with thermal or infrared capabilities can see much farther. At Flying Glass, we use top-tier equipment with night vision and IR options where necessary, ensuring sharp, cinematic shots even in darkness.

Training to Fly a Drone at Night

If you want to learn how to fly drone at night legally and safely, consider enrolling in a certified training program. Our partners at SkyMedia Training offer CASA-approved Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) courses, providing essential knowledge about airspace, risk management, and night flying protocols. This training is the first step towards becoming a professional operator capable of flying drone at night.

Why Use Flying Glass for Your Drone Night Sky Needs?

Drone night sky footage requires more than just skill — it demands experience, high-end gear, and proper authorisations. At Flying Glass, we deliver all three. Our pilots hold RePLs and we operate under a CASA-certified OC, making us eligible to perform night operations anywhere in Australia where flight permissions can be granted.

Whether it’s filming a quiet coastal town at midnight, capturing a glowing city skyline, or flying above an industrial site during off-peak hours, our team has the gear and the know-how to handle it all. If you need night footage but don’t meet CASA requirements, let us do the shoot for you.

Summary: Can You Fly a Drone at Night in Australia?

  • Can you fly a drone at night in Australia? Yes — with an OC and RePL.
  • Can you fly drones at night recreationally? No, unless you obtain CASA approval.
  • Fly a drone at night only if you meet legal, safety, and technical requirements.
  • Do drones have night mode? Yes, many modern drones do, especially DJI models.
  • Need help? Flying Glass can do the job for you — fully legal, insured, and experienced.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your night drone project or to enrol in a training course that helps you get started with legal night operations.