Australian Drone Licence: How to Fly Legally in Australia

Australia’s breathtaking landscapes and iconic urban skylines make it a prime location for drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. From capturing aerial footage of the Sydney Opera House to sweeping over the dramatic red sands of the Outback, drones provide the ultimate way to see the best of Australia from above. However, for international operators planning to fly drones in Australia, it’s essential to understand the local regulations. Whether you’re visiting Australia for a film project, commercial work, or even recreational flying, having an Australian drone licence may be necessary to ensure you’re operating legally.

At Flying Glass, we specialise in providing training to help you get certified to fly in Australia. But if you’d rather leave the flying to the experts, our team of highly skilled drone operators can handle the project for you. We’re based in Sydney and operate across Australia, bringing years of experience and CASA approvals to deliver exceptional aerial footage.

australian drone licence Australia REPL CASA REOC

Do You Need an Australian Drone Licence to Fly in Australia?

If you’re an international drone operator wondering whether you need an Australian drone licence, the answer depends on the nature of your flights. In Australia, drone operations are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and the requirements vary based on whether you’re flying for recreational or commercial purposes.

For Recreational Flying:

If you’re visiting Australia and only planning to fly your drone for fun, you don’t need an Australian drone licence. However, you still need to adhere to CASA’s safety rules, which include:

  • Flying below 120 metres (400 feet)
  • Keeping your drone within visual line of sight
  • Avoiding flying within 5.5 km of an airport
  • Staying 30 metres away from other people
  • Not flying over populous areas like beaches or parks

These rules ensure the safety of other airspace users and people on the ground.

For Commercial Flying:

If you’re visiting Australia for a commercial drone project—whether it’s filming, surveying, or any other professional activity—you’ll need an Australian drone licence (Remote Pilot Licence or RePL). Without this certification, you won’t be legally permitted to fly a drone for commercial purposes. The RePL allows you to operate drones weighing over 2 kg and provides the knowledge needed to navigate Australia’s airspace regulations safely.

At Flying Glass, we offer training courses that help you obtain an Australian drone licence, ensuring you’re fully compliant with local laws and ready to take on any commercial project in the country.

How to Get Your Australian Drone Licence as an International Operator

The process for obtaining an Australian drone licence is straightforward but requires formal training and assessment. At Flying Glass, our RePL training program is tailored to both local and international drone operators, providing you with the skills and legal certification needed to fly in Australia.

Step 1: Enrol in a CASA-Approved Course

To get your Australian drone licence, you’ll need to complete a CASA-approved Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) course. Our training program at Flying Glass covers everything from aviation regulations and airspace classifications to hands-on flying skills. You’ll learn how to operate safely, manage risks, and obtain approvals for flying in restricted airspace.

Step 2: Complete Theoretical and Practical Training

Our RePL course includes both theoretical and practical components to ensure you’re well-prepared for flying in Australian airspace. You’ll gain knowledge in:

  • Airspace classifications and restrictions
  • Weather conditions and flight safety
  • Navigation and risk management
  • Practical flying skills for different environments

By the end of the course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to fly drones commercially in Australia, whether in urban areas like Sydney or remote regions like the Outback.

Step 3: Get Certified

Once you’ve completed the training and passed the assessments, you’ll receive your Australian drone licence. This certification allows you to fly drones commercially in Australia, opening up a world of opportunities for international operators working on projects here.

Don’t Have Time to Get Licensed? Let Flying Glass Handle the Job

If you’re pressed for time or would rather focus on the creative side of your project, Flying Glass can take care of your drone operations for you. We’re not just a training school—we’re also a leading drone services provider with a team of CASA-certified operators who can handle even the most complex projects. Whether you’re working on a TV commercial, feature film, or surveying a large construction site, we have the expertise and equipment to get the job done efficiently and professionally.

Why Choose Flying Glass for Your Drone Needs in Australia?

  • Local Expertise: Based in Sydney, we have extensive experience flying in Australia’s diverse environments—from the city skyline to rural areas and coastal regions.
  • CASA Approvals: We have all the necessary approvals to fly in restricted airspace, including near airports, national landmarks, and other sensitive areas.
  • High-Quality Equipment: We use the latest drones, including the Inspire 3, to capture stunning, high-resolution footage for your project.
  • Proven Track Record: Our team has worked on high-profile projects for international clients, including BBC, Netflix, and Amazon, ensuring that your project is in safe hands.

If you’re an international drone operator visiting Australia and you’d prefer to leave the flying to the experts, contact Flying Glass to discuss how we can assist with your project.

What If I Only Need Temporary Drone Operations in Australia?

For international operators who only need to conduct short-term or temporary drone operations in Australia, applying for a temporary Australian drone licence isn’t always practical. In such cases, Flying Glass can step in to manage the flying on your behalf. We frequently work with international clients who require drone services for one-off projects, allowing them to focus on the creative or logistical aspects of their work without worrying about legal compliance.

From pre-production planning and securing the necessary CASA approvals to executing the actual flight, we handle every aspect of the drone operation, ensuring your project stays on schedule and within the law.

What Are the Penalties for Flying Without an Australian Drone Licence?

Australia takes air safety seriously, and the penalties for flying a drone without the necessary Australian drone licence can be severe, especially if you’re operating commercially. Fines can reach up to AUD 11,100 for breaches of CASA’s regulations, and repeat offenders may face even higher penalties. Flying near airports, in controlled airspace, or over populated areas without a licence can lead to substantial legal consequences.

That’s why it’s critical for international operators to either obtain an Australian drone licence or hire a licensed operator like Flying Glass to manage the project. By doing so, you ensure your operations are safe, legal, and professionally executed.

How Flying Glass’s Consultancy Services Can Help You Operate in Australia

If you’re an international business or organisation planning to operate drones in Australia, Flying Glass offers more than just drone services. We provide consultancy services that help you navigate Australia’s complex regulatory environment and ensure your operations are fully compliant.

Our Consultancy Services Include:

  • Operations Manual Creation: If you’re applying for an Australian drone licence or setting up a drone business in Australia, we can help you create an operations manual that meets CASA’s requirements.
  • ReOC Application Assistance: If you need to apply for a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) to conduct commercial operations in Australia, we’ll guide you through the process.
  • Endorsements and Advanced Operations: We offer training and consultancy for advanced drone operations, including night flying, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, and operations in controlled airspace.

Our team has years of experience working with international operators, and we’re here to make your transition into the Australian drone industry as smooth as possible.