If you hold a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC) and get CASA approval to fly over or near people, you no longer need a separate exemption to fly in a populated area.
Date
What this means
Previously, ReOC holders had to get:
- approval to fly over or near people
- an exemption to fly in a populated area.
To make it quicker, easier and reduce costs for operators, we've introduced a general exemption. This means that once you have CASA approval to fly over or near people, you automatically have permission to fly in a populated area as well. You must follow the conditions of your approval.
What you must do
To use this general exemption, you must:
- get CASA approval to fly over or near people, following the guidelines in the Temporary Management Instruction (TMI) – RPA operations over or near people
- if approved, follow the conditions of your approval when flying over or near people.
Important
This exemption is not a blanket permission for everyone. It only applies to ReOC holders who meet the requirements in the TMI and get CASA approval.
More information
In April 2024, we published a TMI explaining how to apply to fly a drone over or near people.
The Exemption Instrument (CASA EX45/24) has been signed and will soon be published online, at Part 101 of CASR unmanned aircraft and rockets | legislative instruments.