Flying multiple drones at once

If you're a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) holder and intend to conduct one-to-many operations-where a single remote pilot controls multiple drones at once-you need approval. 

One-to-many operations may include:

  • agricultural spraying operations with one remote pilot operating more than one drone simultaneously
  • swarm operations such as drone lightshows, where a larger number of drones follow predefined flight paths under the control of one remote pilot.

The requirements

To operate one-to-many operations you must:

You may also require other flight approvals and permissions depending on your proposed operation.

One-to-many flight approvals take several months to assess from the date of payment.

How to apply for one-to-many operations

  1. Complete the application form

    Download and complete the application form:

    Make sure you save it to your device.

  2. Complete or update your supporting documentation

    Attach your:

    • RPAS Operations Manual
    • supporting documents (e.g. concept of operation (CONOPS) risk assessments, KML file showing flight geography).

    The following guidance materials are available to support you in your application:

  3. Submit your application, supporting documentation and pay the fee

    Submit your application and supporting documents to the email listed on the form.

    We will check that you have completed the relevant questions and provided all required documents. We will notify you if your application is incomplete.

    We will send you an estimate of the application fee, valid for 30 days. Additional fees may apply if an RPAS inspector needs to travel for an onsite assessment.

    To proceed, you must:

    • pay the application fee
    • submit any other supporting documents.

    If you choose not to proceed, please notify us via email.

  4. Assessment of your application

    Once we receive your payment and all supporting documents, we will review your documentation and notify you if:

    • we have any feedback
    • you require an onsite assessment.

    If you don't respond within 30 days, we may close your request. We'll notify you if this happens.

  5. Issuing your flight approval or permission

    After assessing your application, we'll notify you of the outcome.

    If we approve your application, you will receive your approval or permission instrument. It will include the conditions of operation.

Related content

Related rules and publications

Last updated:
11 Oct 2024
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//drones/flight-authorisations/flying-multiple-drones-once
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