Outsourced Chief Remote Pilot & Drone Program Management
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot can be particularly valuable when an organisation has strong technical, engineering, inspection or operational capability but does not want the day-to-day management of its drone program to become another full-time internal discipline.
Flying Glass can help manage the aviation side of the operation: procedures, pilots, flight planning, operational records, compliance, approvals, risk, training, documentation and the continued development of the organisation’s drone capability.
Depending on the engagement, this may involve Flying Glass supporting your existing Chief Remote Pilot, providing wider drone program management, or providing an appropriately qualified person for nomination as Chief Remote Pilot subject to the applicable organisational and CASA requirements.
YOUR DRONE PROGRAM. PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED.
You don’t necessarily need to build an entire aviation department to operate a serious enterprise drone program. Flying Glass can provide experienced operational, regulatory and program-management support around your ReOC.
What Is an Outsourced Chief Remote Pilot?
The Chief Remote Pilot is a key operational position within a ReOC organisation.
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot arrangement allows an organisation to access experienced RPAS management capability without necessarily employing a dedicated full-time aviation specialist.
This can make sense for organisations where drones support the core business rather than being the core business itself.
For example, a company may primarily operate in:
- Mining
- Engineering
- Infrastructure
- Energy
- Utilities
- Telecommunications
- Construction
- Surveying
- Environmental management
- Government
- Emergency response
- Technology development
The organisation may need a sophisticated drone capability, but it may not make commercial sense to build all of the required aviation expertise internally.
What Can Flying Glass Manage?
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot or wider drone program management engagement can be tailored to the organisation and its ReOC.
Support can include:
- Operational oversight
- ReOC compliance management
- Operations manual maintenance
- Standard operating procedures
- Remote pilot onboarding and oversight
- Pilot competency and recency
- Flight authorisation processes
- Risk assessments
- Operational flight planning
- Aircraft and pilot records
- Internal training
- CASA correspondence and submissions
- ReOC variations and significant changes
- Complex operation planning
- Audit preparation
- Incident and operational review
- New aircraft and payload integration
- Expansion into new drone capabilities
- Ongoing program improvement
The objective is not simply to make the organisation appear compliant on paper. Flying Glass’s approach to outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support is to help develop an operational system that people can actually use.
Chief Remote Pilot Responsibilities & Oversight
A Chief Remote Pilot is not simply a name placed on a ReOC.
The position carries significant responsibility for the organisation’s RPAS operations, including the implementation and oversight of operational procedures.
Flying Glass can help organisations establish practical systems around areas such as:
- Authorising operations
- Ensuring pilots are appropriately qualified and competent
- Managing operational risk
- Maintaining required records
- Implementing operations manual procedures
- Managing changes to operational capability
- Maintaining pilot training and recency
- Reviewing non-standard operations
- Managing applicable regulatory approvals
For organisations considering an outsourced Chief Remote Pilot, we first need to understand the structure, operational scope and requirements of the ReOC so the appropriate arrangement can be determined.
Outsourced Drone Program Management
Some clients need more than an outsourced Chief Remote Pilot.
They need someone to help manage the drone program as a whole.
Flying Glass can provide broader drone program management encompassing the operational, regulatory and technical elements required to keep an enterprise drone capability functioning.
This can include:
- Program strategy
- Operational governance
- Aircraft fleet planning
- Software selection
- Remote pilot resources
- Training frameworks
- Approval pathways
- Compliance systems
- Data-capture workflows
- Supplier management
- Internal stakeholder coordination
- Continuous improvement
This can be particularly useful where responsibility for the drone program would otherwise be divided between operations, safety, engineering, procurement and individual remote pilots without anyone having an effective view of the entire system.
Support for an Existing Internal Chief Remote Pilot
You may already have a capable Chief Remote Pilot and still benefit from external support.
In that situation, Flying Glass does not need to replace the internal CRP.
Instead, our outsourced Chief Remote Pilot expertise can support them with specialist tasks such as:
- Complex regulatory questions
- Operations manual changes
- New operational procedures
- Approval applications
- OONP
- EVLOS
- BVLOS
- AusSORA
- Audit preparation
- New aircraft introduction
- Risk assessments
- Internal compliance reviews
- Temporary workload peaks
This can give an internal CRP access to another experienced operational perspective without the organisation needing to recruit another permanent aviation specialist.
Temporary Chief Remote Pilot Support
Organisations can also encounter temporary CRP capacity problems.
For example:
- An existing CRP resigns
- A replacement is being recruited
- A CRP takes extended leave
- The organisation restructures
- A major new project creates a temporary workload increase
- A tender requires additional RPAS management capability
- A new operational capability is being established
Flying Glass can discuss whether an outsourced Chief Remote Pilot or temporary drone-management arrangement is appropriate and what CASA processes may be required.
ReOC Compliance Management
Holding a ReOC creates ongoing organisational responsibilities.
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot engagement can help establish systems to manage these obligations consistently rather than addressing compliance only when an audit, incident or application occurs.
Areas may include:
- Operational documentation
- Pilot qualifications
- Training records
- Recency
- Operational flight records
- Job safety assessments
- Risk-management plans
- Aircraft records
- Operational approvals
- Manual amendments
- Internal reporting
CASA requires ReOC holders to maintain operational procedures, train pilots in those procedures, conduct operations within applicable laws and certificate conditions and retain required operational records.
Operations Manual Management
An operations manual should evolve with the organisation.
As aircraft, personnel, procedures and operational capability change, documentation can quickly become disconnected from what is actually happening in the field.
As part of our outsourced Chief Remote Pilot and drone program management services, Flying Glass can assist with:
- Operations manual reviews
- Manual amendments
- New procedures
- Removal of obsolete procedures
- Aircraft changes
- Organisational changes
- Staff responsibility changes
- Complex operations
- Risk-management procedures
- Approval-related documentation
For broader regulatory and program-development support, see our drone consultancy services.
Remote Pilot Management
A professional drone program requires more than employing people who hold a RePL.
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot can help establish an operational framework for managing remote pilots across the organisation.
This may include:
- Pilot onboarding
- Internal induction
- Procedure training
- Competency requirements
- Aircraft-specific requirements
- Recency monitoring
- Operational authorisations
- Record keeping
- Ongoing performance review
This becomes increasingly important for businesses operating multiple aircraft, multiple pilots or geographically distributed teams.
Operational Flight Review & Approval
Not every proposed flight carries the same level of operational complexity.
Flying Glass can help develop a proportionate system in which routine operations can proceed efficiently while higher-risk or unusual missions receive appropriate review.
Depending on the client’s procedures, outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support may involve reviewing factors such as:
- Airspace
- Site conditions
- Ground risk
- People
- Aircraft capability
- Pilot competency
- Weather
- Operational approvals
- Client requirements
- Emergency procedures
CASA Approvals & Complex Operations
A significant advantage of professional drone program management is being able to grow beyond routine operations.
Flying Glass can combine outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support with specialist consultancy for operations involving:
- Operations Over or Near People
- Extended Visual Line of Sight
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight
- AusSORA safety cases
- Controlled airspace
- Restricted airspace
- Operations above 400 ft
- Complex urban environments
- Non-standard payloads
- Autonomous systems
For operational work around people, see our OONP capability.
ReOC Variations & Significant Changes
A growing drone program may require changes to the ReOC organisation, procedures or operating scope.
CASA distinguishes between significant and non-significant changes, and certain significant changes require approval before they can be introduced into daily operations.
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot engagement can support changes involving:
- Key personnel
- Organisational structure
- Reporting lines
- Staff responsibilities
- Operations manual amendment procedures
- New operational capability
- Procedures affecting aviation safety
Flying Glass can assess the proposed change and help determine the documentation and approval pathway required.
CASA Audit Preparation
Waiting until an audit is announced before reviewing the drone program can create unnecessary pressure.
Our outsourced Chief Remote Pilot services can incorporate periodic internal reviews covering areas such as:
- Operations manuals
- Pilot records
- Training records
- Operational records
- Aircraft documentation
- Approvals
- Risk assessments
- Operational procedures
- Internal compliance
Where gaps are identified, Flying Glass can help develop and implement a remediation plan before they become larger operational issues.
Incident & Operational Review Support
An incident, near miss or unexpected operational event should produce more than an entry in a register.
Flying Glass can support the internal CRP or organisation with an independent operational review to understand:
- What happened
- Why it happened
- Whether procedures were followed
- Whether existing controls were adequate
- Whether documentation needs to change
- Whether further training is required
- Whether similar operations should be modified
The purpose is to improve the program rather than create paperwork for its own sake.
Managing a Growing Enterprise Drone Fleet
An organisation may start with one drone and one pilot and gradually develop into a much more complicated aviation operation.
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot or drone program manager can help manage growth involving:
- Additional aircraft
- New sensors
- More remote pilots
- Multiple locations
- New operating environments
- More complex approvals
- Recurring missions
- Remote monitoring
- Autonomous operations
Flying Glass can help ensure that operational systems develop alongside the technology rather than trying to repair the governance framework after the program has already expanded.
Autonomous & Remote Drone Programs
Drone-in-a-box and remotely supervised operations introduce a different set of considerations from conventional pilot-on-site flights.
Flying Glass can integrate outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support with the planning of autonomous and remote operations, including:
- Operational concepts
- Site assessment
- Docking systems
- Communications
- Remote supervision
- BVLOS considerations
- Operational procedures
- Emergency response
- Data workflows
- Regulatory pathways
For background on the technology, see our guide to drone-in-a-box systems.
Who Is Outsourced Chief Remote Pilot Support For?
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot arrangement may suit:
- Companies establishing an internal drone program
- Existing ReOC holders requiring stronger operational oversight
- Businesses whose internal CRP needs specialist support
- Organisations experiencing temporary CRP capacity issues
- Companies expanding into complex drone operations
- Businesses with geographically distributed pilots
- Enterprise operators scaling their fleet
- Organisations preparing for audits
- Technology companies trialling drone systems
- International organisations establishing Australian operations
Industries We Can Support
Flying Glass can provide outsourced Chief Remote Pilot and program-management support to organisations operating across sectors including:
- Mining
- Oil and gas
- Utilities
- Telecommunications
- Infrastructure
- Construction
- Engineering
- Property
- Government
- Environmental management
- Technology
- Film and television
For organisations that also require operational delivery, Flying Glass provides industrial drone services across Australia.
Outsource the Program or Build Internal Capability?
Outsourcing does not have to be permanent.
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot model can be used while an organisation develops internal capability.
For example, Flying Glass could help:
- Establish the operating framework
- Manage the initial program
- Develop internal personnel
- Introduce more advanced capability
- Prepare an internal CRP candidate
- Support transition to an internally managed model
- Remain available for specialist consultancy when required
Alternatively, organisations that prefer not to build a dedicated aviation-management function can retain ongoing external support.
Why Flying Glass?
Flying Glass approaches outsourced Chief Remote Pilot work from the perspective of an active commercial drone operator.
We understand that documentation and compliance systems need to function in real operations — not just look good during an audit.
- Operational experience: Flying Glass manages real commercial drone operations in demanding environments.
- Complex operations: Experience with specialist operating environments and advanced approvals.
- Enterprise understanding: We can work with operational, engineering, safety and management stakeholders.
- Regulatory capability: Extensive experience navigating CASA processes and professional ReOC operations.
- Technical capability: Experience across aircraft, sensors, custom payloads and specialist systems.
- Scalable support: Engagements can range from specialist advice to ongoing drone program management.
- Operational delivery: Where required, Flying Glass can also provide pilots and specialist operational capability.
Outsourced Chief Remote Pilot Service Options
Ongoing CRP & Drone Program Management
For organisations that want continuing outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support and active oversight of the aviation program.
Chief Remote Pilot Advisory Support
For organisations that already have an internal CRP but want experienced external support with compliance, procedures and complex operations.
Temporary CRP & Transition Support
For organisations navigating personnel changes, restructuring or temporary gaps in internal aviation-management capability, subject to applicable CASA requirements.
Drone Program Health Check
An independent review of the current operational framework, documentation, pilots, records and compliance position.
Complex Operations Support
Specialist assistance for organisations expanding into OONP, EVLOS, BVLOS, autonomous or other advanced operations.
Need Help Managing Your ReOC?
Tell us how your drone program operates today, where it is heading and where the pressure points are. Flying Glass can determine whether outsourced CRP support, program management or specialist consultancy is the best fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Chief Remote Pilot be outsourced?
An organisation can nominate an appropriately qualified external person for a key-personnel role where the applicable ReOC and CASA requirements are met. A change to the Chief Remote Pilot is a significant ReOC change requiring the applicable approval process. Flying Glass can discuss the proposed structure and help determine the appropriate pathway.
What does an outsourced Chief Remote Pilot do?
An outsourced Chief Remote Pilot can provide operational oversight around pilots, procedures, flight planning, records, risk, compliance and the continued safe operation of the organisation’s drone program. The exact duties depend on the organisation and its approved operating structure.
Do we need to replace our current Chief Remote Pilot?
No. Flying Glass can also support an existing internal CRP with complex approvals, documentation, audits, operational reviews and specialist advice without replacing them.
Can Flying Glass manage our entire drone program?
Potentially, yes. Beyond outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support, Flying Glass can provide broader drone program management covering operations, compliance, aircraft, pilots, procedures, technology, approvals and program development.
Can you help us prepare for a CASA audit?
Yes. Flying Glass can review operational documentation, records, pilots, procedures and other elements of the ReOC framework and help address identified gaps.
Can you help us add new drone capabilities?
Yes. Flying Glass can support organisations expanding into new aircraft, payloads, operating environments and complex operations including OONP, EVLOS, BVLOS and autonomous systems.
Can you help with our operations manual?
Yes. Operations manual development, review and amendment can form part of an outsourced Chief Remote Pilot engagement or a separate drone consultancy project.
Can outsourced support be temporary?
Yes. Depending on the client’s needs and applicable regulatory requirements, support can be structured around a particular project, organisational transition or period of increased workload rather than an indefinite engagement.
Can you support drone programs across multiple Australian sites?
Yes. Flying Glass can provide consultancy and program-management support for organisations operating across geographically distributed sites and can also provide operational resources where required.
How much does outsourced Chief Remote Pilot support cost?
The cost depends on the size, complexity and level of management required. A small ReOC with occasional operations requires a very different level of involvement from a multi-site enterprise drone program. Flying Glass can review the requirement and propose an appropriate engagement structure.
Talk to Flying Glass About Your Drone Program
If your organisation holds or is establishing a ReOC and needs experienced aviation-management capability, Flying Glass can help.
Our outsourced Chief Remote Pilot and drone program management services can support day-to-day operations, compliance, documentation, remote pilots, CASA approvals, audits and the expansion of your organisation’s drone capability.