The role of the medium RPA enablement technical working group (TWG) is to review and provide feedback on:
- moving to category-based licences and certificates for RePL and ReOC
- raising the standard for medium RPA pilots e.g. more training, skill, and testing than those flying smaller ones
- new flight test standards for multi-rotors (main focus), powered lift, helicopters, and aeroplanes.
Background
The use of RPAs in Australia is changing. People are using larger and heavier drones for more jobs. To fly larger drones safely, pilots need more skill and knowledge. We want to update the rules to test and check if someone is ready to fly medium RPA. This would lead to new RePLs based on drone category, not just the model.
Right now, we give remote licences for each drone model. We want to change this. Instead, licences would cover a whole type or category of drone in the medium weight range (25 kg to 150 kg).
What we’ve done so far?
In May and June 2024, we asked key industry experts about future flight test and knowledge standards for remote pilots. This was to help pilots advance from basic RePL skills to flying medium-sized remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). They gave feedback on:
- what skills and knowledge pilots need
- how we should test pilots.
We used this feedback to create the new proposed flight test standards.
Examiners involvement
We know how much valuable experience our current examiners have. So, we're proposing to bring in a new approval process for examiners. This will help them even more in making sure that operating drones (RPAS) meets high standards.
Membership
- Greg Tyrrell
- Renee Bartolo
- Andrew Rapson
- Ross Anderson
- Steve Penfold
- Philip Grieve
- John Perkins
- Wayne Condon
- John Flemming
Tasking Instructions
Medium RPA enablement TWG tasking instructions