Drone Licence Australia
How Mike Built a Successful Drone Career in Inspections
Drones have become invaluable tools across a variety of industries, and for people like Mike, an Australian drone pilot specialising in inspections, a drone licence Australia has opened doors to exciting and profitable career opportunities. Mike’s journey from being curious about drones to becoming a licensed pilot working in infrastructure inspections demonstrates how obtaining a drone licence Australia can change your professional trajectory.
In this case study, we’ll take a closer look at Mike’s experience, how he got his drone licence Australia, the training he went through, and how his licence has transformed his career in drone inspections. This interview reveals what’s involved in becoming a certified drone operator in Australia and the many possibilities it can unlock.
Introducing Mike: From Drone Enthusiast to Professional Inspector
Q: Mike, tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into drones.
Mike: I’ve always had a passion for technology, especially when it comes to gadgets that give you a new perspective. Drones caught my eye a few years ago, and what started as a hobby, taking aerial photos on weekends, quickly grew into something more. I realised there was real potential for drones in industries like construction and infrastructure, and that’s when I decided to take things to the next level and get my drone licence Australia.
The Decision to Get a Drone Licence Australia
Q: What motivated you to go from a hobbyist to getting a professional drone licence Australia?
Mike: Well, it became clear that there were legal limitations on what I could do with my drone without a licence. For example, in Australia, if you want to fly drones for commercial purposes or use drones weighing over 2 kg, you need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). I realised that if I wanted to get into serious work, like inspecting infrastructure or working with local councils, I needed to be fully compliant with CASA’s regulations.
It wasn’t just about avoiding penalties—I also wanted to feel confident that I had the skills and knowledge to operate safely in more complex environments, especially when flying near important infrastructure.
Mike’s Journey to Getting His Drone Licence Australia
Q: What was the process of getting your drone licence Australia like?
Mike: The process was quite straightforward, but it did require time and commitment. I did my research and found Flying Glass, a CASA-approved training provider, based in Sydney. The course was a mix of theory and practical flying. We covered everything from airspace regulations to flight safety, and I even got to practise flying drones in different conditions.
The theory part taught me about the different types of airspace in Australia, weather patterns, and flight safety regulations. The practical part of the course was really useful too—learning how to manage risk during operations, deal with emergencies, and handle a drone in various settings.
It took me about a week to complete the training, and once I passed the assessments, I received my drone licence Australia (RePL). Flying Glass was really supportive throughout the whole process, and their instructors made sure we were fully prepared for both the exam and real-world flying.
How the Drone Licence Australia Changed Mike’s Career
Q: How did getting your drone licence Australia impact your career?
Mike: It completely changed the game for me. With the licence, I was able to start offering professional drone services to clients, particularly in the infrastructure inspection sector. I work with construction companies, utility providers, and even local councils to inspect things like bridges, roads, and pipelines. Drones are ideal for these types of jobs because they can access hard-to-reach areas without putting workers at risk.
One of the first jobs I did after getting my drone licence Australia was inspecting a stretch of powerlines in a rural area. I was able to fly my drone close to the lines to check for wear and tear, something that would have been much more difficult and dangerous to do with traditional methods. The client was really impressed with the speed and precision of the inspection, and that led to more work for me.
Expanding into New Opportunities with a Drone Licence Australia
Q: What other types of work have you been able to do with your licence?
Mike: Aside from infrastructure inspections, I’ve also done work in agriculture, helping farmers monitor crop health, and real estate, providing aerial footage of properties for marketing purposes. Having a drone licence Australia has really opened up opportunities across multiple industries.
One project I’m particularly proud of involved working with a local council to inspect heritage buildings. They needed someone with both the technical skills and the legal authorisation to fly in controlled airspace around the city. With my RePL, I was able to get CASA approvals to fly near important landmarks and provide detailed aerial imagery of the buildings. This project showcased just how valuable drones are for inspections and conservation efforts.
Challenges and Rewards of Being a Licensed Drone Pilot in Australia
Q: What challenges have you faced since getting your drone licence Australia?
Mike: One of the biggest challenges is staying on top of the constantly evolving regulations. CASA has strict guidelines about where and how drones can be flown, especially near airports or in controlled airspace. But with the training I received during the RePL course, I’m confident navigating those rules. Plus, Flying Glass has been great about offering ongoing support and updates on new regulations.
Another challenge is dealing with weather conditions. Drones are sensitive to high winds, rain, and other weather factors, so you always have to be prepared to reschedule jobs or adjust your approach based on the conditions.
The Process of Getting Approvals and Managing Complex Jobs
Q: How do you handle more complex jobs that require special approvals?
Mike: For any job that requires flying in controlled airspace, near airports, or in areas with sensitive infrastructure, I have to apply for CASA approvals. Having a drone licence Australia makes this process much easier because CASA trusts that licensed operators understand the risks and regulations involved.
Flying Glass also offers consultancy services for operators like me who need help with approvals or updating operations manuals. I’ve used their services to streamline my paperwork and ensure my operations are always compliant with CASA’s standards. It’s a huge benefit to have that kind of support, especially for larger or more complex projects.
Mike’s Advice for Aspiring Drone Pilots
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting a drone licence Australia?
Mike: My biggest piece of advice would be to take the plunge and get certified if you’re serious about using drones for work. Having a drone licence Australia isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a way to stand out in a competitive market. Clients are more likely to trust you with big jobs if they know you’re certified and understand the regulations.
Also, make sure you choose a good training provider. Flying Glass was excellent—they not only prepared me for the exam but also gave me the practical skills I needed to succeed in the real world. They also offer great follow-up support, which has been invaluable as I’ve grown my business.
How Flying Glass Helped Mike Get His Drone Licence Australia
Q: What made you choose Flying Glass for your drone licence Australia training?
Mike: Flying Glass came highly recommended in the industry, and they had a great track record of training drone pilots for TV, film, and commercial projects. Their course was comprehensive, and they understood the practical side of drone operations, not just the theory. The instructors were really knowledgeable and made sure I was ready for anything.
Another thing that stood out was their consultancy services. After I got my drone licence Australia, they helped me update my operations manual and navigate the approvals process for some of my more complex jobs. It’s not just about getting certified—they’ve been there every step of the way as I’ve grown my drone inspection business.
What’s Next for Mike and His Drone Career?
Q: What’s next for you in your drone career?
Mike: I’m looking to expand my business even further, maybe take on more large-scale infrastructure projects across New South Wales and other parts of Australia. I’m also interested in getting approvals for night flying and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, which would allow me to take on even more complex jobs.
I’m also thinking about bringing on another pilot to help with the workload. That’s another area where Flying Glass can help—they offer consultancy for businesses looking to expand their operations and get the necessary certifications to grow.
Conclusion: How a Drone Licence Australia Can Transform Your Career
Mike’s story highlights just how valuable a drone licence Australia can be for anyone looking to take their drone operations to the next level. Whether you’re interested in inspections, agriculture, real estate, or media production, getting certified opens up a world of opportunities. At Flying Glass, we offer comprehensive RePL training and ongoing support to help you succeed in the growing drone industry. Contact us today to start your journey towards becoming a certified drone operator in Australia.