Most importantly, Flying Glass is an operational drone company as well as a consultancy. We work within the procedures, safety systems and CASA approval frameworks that we advise clients on, giving our drone consultancy a practical operational perspective rather than a purely theoretical one.
BUILD IT. APPROVE IT. OPERATE IT. SCALE IT.
Tell us what your organisation wants to achieve with drones. Flying Glass can help determine the operational, technical and regulatory pathway required to make it happen.
What Can Flying Glass Drone Consultancy Help With?
Every organisation comes to drone consultancy from a different starting point. Some clients are establishing their first professional drone capability. Others already operate under a ReOC and need to expand into more advanced operations.
Flying Glass can assist with:
- Enterprise drone program strategy
- ReOC establishment and applications
- ReOC variations and significant changes
- Operations manual development
- Standard operating procedures
- Risk management frameworks
- Chief Remote Pilot support
- CASA audit preparation
- OONP operations
- EVLOS operations
- BVLOS operations
- AusSORA safety cases
- Controlled and restricted airspace operations
- Operations above standard altitude limits
- Autonomous and remote drone operations
- Drone-in-a-box programs
- Aircraft and fleet selection
- Software and operational workflow design
- Custom payload integration
- Specialist drone R&D
- Recurring inspection and monitoring programs
- Operational reviews and compliance retainers
Enterprise Drone Program Consultancy
For larger organisations, establishing a drone capability is rarely just an aircraft-purchasing decision.
Effective drone consultancy considers how aviation capability fits into the organisation as a whole.
This may involve:
- Defining viable drone use cases
- Determining whether operations should be internal, outsourced or hybrid
- Identifying required CASA approvals
- Developing governance structures
- Selecting aircraft and payloads
- Defining remote-pilot competency requirements
- Developing operating procedures
- Establishing risk-management systems
- Selecting flight-management and compliance software
- Developing maintenance and record-keeping processes
- Planning data management
- Designing scalable workflows
Flying Glass can work with operational teams, aviation personnel, safety departments, engineering teams, project managers and senior management to create a drone program that addresses the actual business requirement rather than simply introducing technology for its own sake.
Starting an Internal Drone Program
Organisations developing their first internal drone capability often need support across several areas simultaneously.
Our drone consultancy can help answer questions such as:
- Do we require a ReOC?
- What licences do our pilots need?
- Who should act as Chief Remote Pilot?
- Which aircraft should we purchase?
- Which operations are possible under standard rules?
- Which activities need CASA approval?
- What procedures and documentation are required?
- How should pilots be trained and checked?
- How should operational records be maintained?
- What software should manage flights, risk and compliance?
- How should the drone program integrate with existing corporate safety systems?
Instead of resolving these questions independently, Flying Glass can help develop a coordinated implementation plan.
ReOC Establishment & Application Support
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate provides the organisational framework required for many professional drone operations and allows the holder to apply for permissions and approvals outside standard drone operating rules.
Flying Glass provides drone consultancy for businesses establishing a ReOC, including development of the documentation and operational systems that underpin the certificate.
Support may include:
- ReOC readiness assessment
- Organisational structure
- Chief Remote Pilot requirements
- Operations manual development
- Operational procedures
- Risk-management documentation
- Training and checking frameworks
- Maintenance processes
- Record-keeping procedures
- Application preparation
- Assessment preparation
The aim is not simply to obtain a certificate. The operational system behind the ReOC needs to be practical enough for the organisation to actually use.
ReOC Variations & Significant Changes
An existing ReOC does not remain static as an organisation grows.
Flying Glass provides drone consultancy for operators introducing changes to their organisational structure, key personnel, aircraft categories, procedures or operational scope.
Examples may include:
- Changing a Chief Remote Pilot
- Changing key organisational responsibilities
- Updating formal reporting structures
- Adding new aircraft categories
- Introducing new operational procedures
- Adding advanced operations
- Updating an operations manual
- Expanding the organisation’s aviation capability
We can review the proposed change, identify the documentation affected and help prepare the organisation for the applicable CASA process.
Operations Manuals, SOPs & Aviation Documentation
Good aviation documentation should describe how the organisation genuinely operates.
Flying Glass develops and reviews documentation through its drone consultancy service, including:
- RPAS Operations Manuals
- Standard operating procedures
- Risk-assessment procedures
- Emergency response procedures
- Maintenance procedures
- Pilot competency frameworks
- Training and checking procedures
- Recency requirements
- Operational approval procedures
- Flight planning workflows
- Incident and hazard reporting processes
- Internal governance documentation
Where possible, we aim to develop procedures that integrate cleanly with the client’s existing safety, risk, project-management and corporate governance systems.
Operational Risk Assessments & Safety Systems
Complex drone operations require more than a generic risk-assessment template.
Our drone consultancy can help organisations identify credible operational hazards, understand the consequences of aircraft failure and develop mitigations appropriate to the aircraft, people, environment and mission.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Operational risk assessments
- Job safety analyses
- Site-specific procedures
- Emergency response planning
- Ground-risk controls
- Air-risk controls
- Flight termination considerations
- Containment
- Operational boundaries
- Crew requirements
- Third-party risk
- Integration with client safety systems
OONP Drone Consultancy
Operations Over or Near People can unlock important commercial use cases that are not achievable under ordinary operating limitations.
Flying Glass has substantial practical experience with OONP operations and provides drone consultancy for organisations seeking to understand or develop this capability.
Potential applications include:
- Film and television
- Live events
- Sport
- Infrastructure
- Inspection
- Urban operations
- Emergency services
- Enterprise operations around controlled personnel
Flying Glass can assist with operational concept development, aircraft and risk considerations, documentation and planning around the applicable CASA approval pathway.
For our operational capability, see our OONP drone operations.
EVLOS Consultancy & Operational Planning
Extended Visual Line of Sight can enable operations beyond the capability of a conventional single-pilot visual-line-of-sight mission while maintaining appropriate visual observation through additional operational personnel and procedures.
Our drone consultancy can help organisations assess whether EVLOS is appropriate for the intended mission and what changes may be needed across:
- Operational procedures
- Crew structure
- Communications
- Observer positioning
- Training
- Risk management
- ReOC documentation
- CASA approvals
BVLOS Drone Consultancy
Beyond Visual Line of Sight can fundamentally change the economics and scalability of drone operations, particularly for organisations managing geographically distributed assets.
Flying Glass provides drone consultancy for businesses investigating BVLOS applications such as:
- Linear infrastructure inspection
- Remote asset monitoring
- Mining
- Energy
- Utilities
- Telecommunications
- Large industrial sites
- Remote facilities
- Autonomous drone operations
A BVLOS program may involve significantly more than preparing a flight application. The organisation may need to consider aircraft reliability, communications, containment, detect-and-avoid strategies, ground risk, air risk, emergency procedures, personnel competency and integration with existing aviation systems.
See our BVLOS drone operations information for further background.
AusSORA Safety Cases for Complex Drone Operations
Australia now uses AusSORA as the assessment methodology for new BVLOS and other complex drone-operation applications.
For organisations unfamiliar with risk-based aviation approvals, the process can initially appear complex. Our drone consultancy can help clients work through the operational concept and supporting evidence required for a structured safety case.
Areas that may need consideration include:
- Concept of operations
- Ground risk
- Air risk
- Strategic mitigations
- Containment
- Operational safety objectives
- Aircraft reliability
- Emergency response
- Operational procedures
- Supporting evidence
The exact pathway depends on the proposed operation and should be developed around the real mission rather than attempting to retrofit a generic safety case.
Controlled Airspace & Other Complex Operations
Some organisations need drone consultancy because the location or mission sits outside routine drone operations.
Flying Glass can help assess projects involving:
- Controlled airspace
- Restricted airspace
- Operations near aerodromes
- Operations above 400 ft
- Operations around people
- Urban environments
- Critical infrastructure
- Major events
- Specialist aircraft
- Non-standard payloads
Our role is to identify what is operationally achievable, which permissions may be required and how the organisation can prepare an appropriate pathway.
Chief Remote Pilot Support
The Chief Remote Pilot is central to the safe and compliant operation of a ReOC.
For ReOC holders and organisations developing internal drone capability, Flying Glass also provides outsourced Chief Remote Pilot services and ongoing enterprise drone program management.
Flying Glass provides drone consultancy and ongoing support for organisations whose Chief Remote Pilot needs additional aviation, regulatory or operational assistance.
This may include:
- Reviewing operational procedures
- Supporting manual updates
- Assessing proposed new operations
- Reviewing pilot competency processes
- Preparing for audits
- Reviewing records
- Supporting incident follow-up
- Providing a second opinion on complex operational decisions
- Helping manage regulatory changes
For some organisations, ongoing access to specialist support can be more valuable than engaging a consultant only when a problem has already emerged.
CASA Audit & Compliance Reviews
A compliance review can identify gaps before they become operational or regulatory problems.
Our drone consultancy can review areas such as:
- Operations manuals
- Flight records
- Pilot qualifications
- Recency
- Training and checking
- Aircraft records
- Maintenance documentation
- Risk assessments
- Operational approvals
- Internal procedures
The result can be used to develop a practical remediation plan rather than simply producing a list of deficiencies.
Drone Fleet, Technology & Software Consultancy
Purchasing aircraft before defining the operational requirement can result in an expensive fleet that does not solve the intended problem.
Flying Glass can incorporate technology selection into a wider drone consultancy engagement.
This may include assessment of:
- Aircraft platforms
- Payload requirements
- Visual cameras
- Thermal sensors
- LiDAR
- Mapping systems
- Communications
- Ground-control equipment
- Battery and charging systems
- Flight-management software
- Compliance software
- Data workflows
- Hardware redundancy
The objective is to choose technology around the mission rather than designing the mission around equipment already purchased.
Autonomous Drone Operations & Drone-in-a-Box
Autonomous and remotely supervised systems create opportunities for organisations that need frequent, repeatable drone operations without mobilising a conventional crew for every flight.
Our drone consultancy can support early-stage assessment of autonomous operations including:
- Use-case feasibility
- Site selection
- Aircraft and docking systems
- Communications
- Remote supervision
- Operational procedures
- BVLOS considerations
- Data workflows
- Emergency procedures
- CASA approval pathways
For more background on this technology, see our guide to drone-in-a-box systems.
Custom Drone Payload Integration & R&D
Sometimes the required capability does not exist as an off-the-shelf drone product.
Where drone consultancy identifies the need for a specialist payload or aircraft integration, Flying Glass can also support the engineering and operational development process.
This may involve:
- Payload assessment
- Custom mounts
- Release mechanisms
- Sensors
- Communication equipment
- Prototype systems
- Weight and balance considerations
- Ground testing
- Flight testing
- Operational documentation
See our custom drone payload integration and R&D capability.
From Drone Consultancy to Real Operations
Some organisations need strategic advice and documentation. Others need a partner that can help develop the program and then carry out the operational work.
This is where Flying Glass offers a particularly useful combination.
Our drone consultancy can lead directly into operational support across specialist commercial applications rather than ending when a report or manual is delivered.
Industrial Drone Operations
For mining, infrastructure, energy and industrial organisations looking for an operational partner as well as strategic advice, Flying Glass provides industrial drone services across Australia covering data capture, specialist aerial operations, inspections and recurring programs.
Oil & Gas Inspection Programs
For energy operators developing repeatable aerial inspection programs, our drone consultancy can be combined with operational oil and gas drone inspections for tanks, flare stacks, pipework, elevated structures and other assets.
Utilities & Telecommunications
Utilities and telecommunications organisations can combine program design and compliance support with utility and telecom drone inspections across towers, poles, substations, antennas and geographically distributed network assets.
Delivery & Specialist Drone Systems
For organisations investigating aerial logistics or specialist transport applications, Flying Glass can provide consultancy around operational feasibility and emerging delivery drone systems.
This ability to move from strategy into operational delivery means clients can test a concept before deciding whether to build the entire capability internally.
Proof-of-Concept Drone Programs
Before investing heavily in aircraft, software, approvals and internal staff, some organisations benefit from proving the operational concept first.
Flying Glass can structure drone consultancy around a staged proof-of-concept program.
This may involve:
- Defining the business problem
- Assessing the proposed drone use case
- Identifying regulatory constraints
- Selecting suitable technology
- Developing a limited operational trial
- Collecting operational and commercial data
- Assessing the results
- Developing a roadmap for wider implementation
This approach can help organisations make investment decisions using real operational evidence rather than assumptions.
Who Uses Flying Glass Drone Consultancy?
Our drone consultancy is designed for professional organisations rather than recreational drone users.
Potential clients include:
- Mining and resources companies
- Energy operators
- Utilities
- Telecommunications providers
- Infrastructure owners
- Engineering companies
- Construction organisations
- Property and development companies
- Government agencies
- Local councils
- Emergency-service organisations
- Established ReOC holders
- Production companies
- Technology companies
- Businesses developing autonomous systems
- Organisations establishing an internal drone capability
Drone Consultancy for Government & Enterprise
Large organisations frequently have requirements that extend beyond the scope of a standard drone operator.
Enterprise drone consultancy may need to align aviation operations with:
- Corporate risk frameworks
- Workplace health and safety
- Procurement
- Cybersecurity
- Data governance
- Engineering requirements
- Contractor management
- Insurance
- Internal audit
- Executive governance
Flying Glass can work with the relevant internal stakeholders so the drone program is treated as an organisational capability rather than an isolated piece of aviation technology.
Why Choose Flying Glass for Drone Consultancy?
Flying Glass combines regulatory understanding with extensive real-world commercial drone operations.
Our drone consultancy is informed by experience developing and operating complex aviation solutions rather than simply interpreting regulations from a desk.
- Operational experience: We operate professional drone programs ourselves and understand how procedures work in the field.
- Complex approvals: Experience across advanced operations including OONP and other non-standard operational environments.
- Enterprise capability: Support for organisations developing scalable internal or outsourced drone programs.
- CASA process experience: Extensive practical experience working through Australian drone regulatory and approval processes.
- Chief Remote Pilot experience: Practical understanding of the responsibilities involved in managing commercial drone operations.
- Technical capability: Experience spanning aircraft, cameras, sensors, custom payloads, autonomous systems and specialist operational requirements.
- Real-world implementation: Flying Glass can move beyond consultancy and provide the operational service where required.
- Australia-wide support: Consultancy and operational capability for organisations working across multiple locations and states.
Drone Consultancy Engagement Options
Not every client needs the same level of support, so Flying Glass can structure drone consultancy around the project.
Drone Program Review
Suitable for organisations that already operate drones but want an independent assessment of their current procedures, documentation, approvals and operational framework.
ReOC Establishment
A structured engagement for organisations developing their professional drone operation and the documentation and systems required to support it.
Advanced Operations Readiness Review
Assessment of what may be required to move into OONP, EVLOS, BVLOS, autonomous or other complex operations.
Enterprise Drone Strategy Workshop
A focused engagement to define use cases, technology, people, regulatory requirements, operational models and an implementation roadmap.
Project-Specific Consultancy
For organisations facing a particular aviation, approval, risk or technical problem and requiring targeted specialist support.
Ongoing Consultancy Retainer
For ReOC holders and organisations requiring continuing access to advice, compliance review, Chief Remote Pilot support and assistance as their operations evolve.
Not Sure Which Consultancy Service You Need?
You do not need to know the regulatory solution before contacting us. Tell us the operation or business outcome you are trying to achieve and Flying Glass can help identify the likely pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Consultancy
What does a drone consultant do?
A drone consultancy can help an organisation understand the aviation, regulatory, technical and operational requirements involved in establishing or expanding a professional drone program. This may include ReOC support, manuals, approvals, risk assessments, fleet selection, advanced operations and ongoing compliance.
Can Flying Glass help us obtain a ReOC?
Yes. Flying Glass can support organisations preparing for a ReOC through operational planning, documentation, procedures, risk frameworks and readiness preparation.
Can you review our existing ReOC and operations manual?
Yes. We can review existing documentation and operational processes, identify potential gaps and help develop a practical improvement plan.
Can you help with a ReOC variation?
Yes. Our drone consultancy can support existing operators introducing significant operational, organisational, personnel or procedural changes and help identify the documentation that may need updating.
Can you help with OONP approvals?
Yes. Flying Glass has substantial operational experience with Operations Over or Near People and can assist organisations in assessing the operational concept, aircraft, risk controls and applicable approval pathway.
Can you help with EVLOS?
Yes. We can help organisations assess an EVLOS concept and develop the crew structure, communications, procedures and supporting documentation required for the intended operation.
Can you help with BVLOS?
Yes. BVLOS is a major area for enterprise drone consultancy. We can help evaluate use cases, regulatory pathways, aircraft, operational architecture, risk controls and supporting documentation.
What is AusSORA?
AusSORA is Australia’s adaptation of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment methodology used by CASA for new BVLOS and other complex drone-operation applications. It provides a structured framework for assessing ground risk, air risk, containment, mitigations and operational safety objectives.
Can you help us choose drones and software?
Yes. Flying Glass can assess aircraft, sensors, payloads, software and operational systems against the actual use case rather than recommending technology in isolation.
Can you help establish an autonomous drone program?
Yes. Our drone consultancy can support assessment of drone-in-a-box, remote supervision, BVLOS, communications, workflows and the regulatory pathway for autonomous or highly automated operations.
Can you provide ongoing Chief Remote Pilot support?
Yes. We can provide ongoing consultancy to support Chief Remote Pilots with documentation, operational assessment, compliance reviews and complex aviation decisions.
Do you only provide advice, or can Flying Glass perform the operations too?
Both. One of the advantages of working with Flying Glass is that we are also an active commercial drone operator. Where appropriate, we can move from drone consultancy into proof-of-concept flights, specialist operations, inspections, data capture or ongoing operational delivery.
Do you provide drone consultancy Australia-wide?
Yes. Flying Glass works with clients across Australia and can support organisations with individual locations, distributed asset networks or national drone programs.
How much does drone consultancy cost?
Cost depends on the scope of the engagement. A focused operational review is very different from establishing a complete enterprise drone program or developing a complex approval pathway. Contact Flying Glass with the problem you are trying to solve and we can recommend an appropriate scope.
Discuss Your Drone Program With Flying Glass
If your organisation is establishing, expanding or troubleshooting a professional drone operation, Flying Glass can help determine the practical pathway forward.
Our drone consultancy can support everything from ReOC documentation and Chief Remote Pilot advice through to OONP, EVLOS, BVLOS, AusSORA, autonomous systems, custom payload integration and full enterprise drone-program development.
And where the project needs to move beyond planning, Flying Glass can provide the operational capability required to turn the strategy into real-world flights.