Drone Weight Class Guide: Rules by Category in Australia

Understanding drone weight classes in Australia is essential whether you’re a recreational flyer, a commercial operator, or just starting out in the drone industry. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) uses drone weight to determine what regulations apply to you, including whether you need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), register your drone, or hold an Operator’s Certificate (OC). In this guide, we break down all major drone weight categories and what they mean for you under CASA’s current rules.

Why Drone Weight Matters

In Australia, CASA regulates Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) primarily based on their maximum take-off weight (MTOW). The rules that apply vary significantly between drone categories, so it’s critical to know which class your drone fits into. Heavier drones generally carry more risk and therefore fall under stricter rules and require additional certification.

It’s also important to understand that any additional payload attached to the drone counts towards the weight class. This includes cameras, sensors, lights, parachute recovery systems, and any third-party accessories. Even a lightweight parachute system can push a drone just over a weight limit and shift it into a higher regulatory bracket. CASA’s classification is based on the aircraft’s weight at take-off, not its factory weight.

Micro RPA: Sub-250g Drone Weight Class

This category includes drones that weigh less than 250 grams. Examples include the DJI Mini 2, Mini 3, and the Mini 4 Pro. These are often marketed as recreational or beginner-friendly drones, but they still carry regulatory considerations.

Registration: Not required for recreational use. Required if flying commercially.
RePL: Not required for recreational use. Required for commercial use if using under the excluded category.
Operator’s Certificate: Not required for excluded category operations.

Despite being sub-250g, if you fly them for money or as part of a business, CASA classifies that as commercial and specific rules apply. That includes sticking to standard operating conditions unless additional approvals are granted.

Very small RPA: 250g to Under 2kg

This is the most common weight class for semi-professional and advanced recreational drones. It includes models like the DJI Air 2S, Mavic 3 Pro, and the Phantom 4 Pro.

Registration: Required for both recreational and commercial use.
RePL: Not required for commercial work under the excluded category, but strongly recommended.
Operator’s Certificate: Not required under the excluded category.

The 2kg limit is key in CASA’s “excluded category,” which allows businesses to operate drones commercially without an OC as long as the drone is under 2kg and standard conditions are followed.

However, be cautious about payloads. If you’re adding external strobes, extended landing gear, or safety systems like parachutes, you could easily exceed the 2kg threshold and unknowingly shift into a more regulated category.

Small RPA: 2kg to Under 7kg

In this category, we start seeing more powerful drones with greater payload capacity and range. DJI Inspire 2 and Inspire 3 fit here depending on configuration.

Registration: Mandatory for all uses.
RePL: Required for all commercial use.
Operator’s Certificate: Required for commercial operations.

This weight class unlocks more advanced features and commercial viability, but also comes with increased regulatory responsibility. You’ll need to operate under a certified OC and hold a valid RePL. If you need this certification, we offer in-person training to help you earn your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

Custom payloads such as LiDAR units, cinema-grade cameras, or multispectral sensors are common in this category. Each modification must be factored into the total MTOW, and exceeding 7kg changes your compliance obligations.

Small RPA: 7kg to Under 25kg

This class includes large enterprise drones like the DJI Matrice 600 (M600) and Freefly Alta 6/8. These are typically used in industries such as heavy-lift cinematography, agricultural surveying, and infrastructure inspection.

Registration: Mandatory for all use.
RePL: Required for all operations.
Operator’s Certificate: Required.
Maintenance Logbooks: Often required depending on operation type.

Operating drones in this category means you’re taking on significant responsibility. CASA expects strict documentation, thorough operational procedures, and approved manuals. Operations over or near people may also require additional approvals.

Adding professional payloads like dual-camera gimbals or agriculture-specific tanks for spraying can bring a drone close to the 25kg mark. Pilots and operators must always ensure they remain compliant with the weight limits specified in their ReOC and aircraft documentation.

Medium RPA (25kg – 150kg) & Large RPA (Over 150kg)

These are the heaviest weight class and includes custom-built or specialty RPAs, such as those used in logistics, defence, or agriculture. These operations are subject to CASA approval on a case-by-case basis.

Registration: Required.
RePL: Required.
Operator’s Certificate: Required.
Airworthiness and Maintenance: Detailed plans must be submitted and approved by CASA.

Very few operators in Australia use drones in this class due to the complexity and cost involved. If you’re planning to operate an RPA over 25kg, expect months of preparation and engagement with CASA inspectors. These aircraft are almost always custom-built for highly specialised operations like crop dusting or high-end logistics trials.

What Else Affects Drone Rules?

Besides drone weight classes in Australia, there are other critical factors affecting your legal obligations:

Commercial vs recreational use
Flying within 30 metres of people
Operations near airports or in controlled airspace
Night flying or Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
Use of payloads (parachutes, cameras, sensors, etc.) that can change the drone’s total weight and impact classification

Common Drones by Weight Class

Sub-250g: DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3, Mini 2
250g–2kg: DJI Air 2S, DJI Phantom 4 Pro, DJI Mavic 3 Pro
2kg–7kg: DJI Inspire 2, DJI Inspire 3
7kg–25kg: DJI Matrice 600, Freefly Alta 6/8
25kg+: Custom-built RPAs for agriculture or logistics

Learn to Fly Legally in Australia

If you want to fly drones commercially in any weight class above 250g, it’s highly recommended (and often required) that you get licensed. Our in-person training helps you earn your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), covering all the essential rules, safety procedures, and flight training to operate legally in Australia.

Conclusion: Understanding Drone Weight Classes in Australia

In Australia, drone regulations aren’t one-size-fits-all. They change dramatically based on weight class, which is why it’s essential to understand where your drone fits and what CASA expects from you. Whether you’re flying a DJI Mini 4 Pro recreationally or operating a DJI Inspire 3 commercially, compliance is key to safe and legal flight.

Understanding drone weight classes in Australia isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about ensuring the safety of the airspace and building a sustainable, responsible drone industry. If you’re unsure where to start, take a course, ask questions, and always fly within the law. And always remember: payload counts too.