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