Automated airspace authorisations

We offer automated airspace authorisations for Remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate holders.

Eligible operators can apply to fly:

• within 5.5 km (3 NM) of selected controlled airports
• in restricted airspace over Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas.

Automated authorisations are available at:

• Adelaide Airport (YPAD)
• Broome Airport (YBRM)
• Cairns Airport (YBCS)
• Canberra Airport (YSCB)
• Coffs Harbour Airport (YCFS)
• Essendon Airport (YMEN)
• Hobart Airport (YMHB)
• Melbourne Airport (YMML)
• Perth Airport (YPPH)
• Sydney Airport (YSSY)
• Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas (R407 A/B).

We automatically approve applications that meet the criteria. There is no limit on the number of authorisations you can receive.

The requirements

To use automated airspace authorisations:

• the operator must hold a current ReOC
• the remote pilot must hold a valid remote pilot licence (RePL)
• the remote pilot must hold a valid aeronautical radio operator certificate (AROC)
• the drone must be registered and weigh less than 25 kg
• the flight must take place during daylight hours.

How to apply

1. The chief remote pilot must register with a participating CASA-verified drone safety app.
2. The remote pilot must submit the flight request through the app before flying.
3. Submit the request no more than 30 days before the flight.
4. Receive the airspace authorisation through the app.

If the airspace changes after approval, we will notify you. Your authorisation will no longer be valid, and you must apply again.

For authorised flights, you do not need to:

• notify air traffic control before flying
• submit a notice to airmen (NOTAM).

If automated authorisation is unavailable, you must apply through our standard process.

Participating CASA-verified drone safety apps

• AEROphoria by UXMachines Pty Ltd
• AVCRM RPA Manager by AVCRM
• FlyFreely Drone Management Platform by FlyFreely
• Fly.Ylobe by Yarra Drones
• ok2fly by AvSoft
• OpenSky by Wing Aviation.

Some providers may charge subscription fees or set other requirements for using their apps and services.

Instruments

These Instruments allow automated airspace authorisations. Before flying, check the latest versions and follow all relevant conditions and directions:

• CASA 28/26 — Operation of RPA in Sydney Harbour Restricted Areas, R407A and R407B (CASA-Verified Drone Safety App) Instrument 2026
• CASA 66/24 — Operation of RPA Within 3 Nautical Miles of a Controlled Aerodrome (CASA-Verified Drone Safety App) Instrument 2024

Expired instruments

• CASA 67/24 — Operation of RPA in Sydney Harbour Restricted Areas, R405A and R405B (CASA-Verified Drone Safety App) Instrument 2024
• CASA 03/24 – Area Approval for Operation of RPA within 3NM of Controlled Aerodromes using CASA-verified Drone Safety App – Canberra (YSCB), Adelaide (YPAD), Perth (YPPH) and Sydney (YSSY) Instrument 2024
• CASA 65/23 – Approval and Permission for Operations of RPA within Sydney Harbour Restricted Airspace R405A/B Instrument 2023
• CASA 64/23 – Area Approval for Operation of RPA within 3NM of Controlled Aerodromes using CASA-verified Drone Safety App – Canberra (YSCB), Adelaide (YPAD), Perth (YPPH) and Sydney (YSSY) Instrument 2023
• CASA 57/22 – Area Approval for Operation of RPA within 3 NM of Controlled Aerodromes using CASA-verified Drone Safety App – Canberra (YSCB), Adelaide (YPAD) and Perth (YPPH)
• CASA 31/21 Area approval and Direction for operation of RPA with 3 NM of controlled aerodromes using CASA-verified drone safety app - Canberra (YCSB) Adelaide (YPAD) and Perth (YPPH) (PDF, 3.37 MB)
• CASA 29/22 Area approval and Direction for operation of RPA within 3 NM of controlled aerodromes using CASA-verified drone safety app – Canberra (YSCB), Adeliade (YPAD) and Perth (YPPH)