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RPAS digital platform

The remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) digital platform was developed and introduced by CASA.

The platform provides a central source of trusted data, which includes:

  • RPA-related advisories
  • rules
  • regulatory information.

Software developers can use this data to create third-party mobile and web-based apps, to help show users where it's safe and legal to fly a drone in Australia. As third-party apps are verified and released, we'll publish them on the drone safety apps page—with a link to the developer's website.

In future, the RPAS digital platform will expand to include a range of other services including:

  • integration with our proposed drone registration and accreditation system
  • submission of flight authorisation requests for licenced operators
  • automation of requests to operate within 5.5 km of a controlled airport (usually those with a control tower)
  • the building blocks for a future RPA traffic management system.

How to connect to the RPAS digital platform

Industry and software developers can apply to connect to the RPAS digital platform.

Application, approval and onboarding occurs twice per year. The first round applications closed on 10 December 2019. The next round of applications for onboarding will open in early-2020.

To connect to the platform, software developers will need to undergo a robust approval and onboarding process. This enables CASA to verify that proposed apps will deliver accurate information and meet the minimum technical requirements.

The requirements are set out in the following documents:

Onboarding and application webinar

On Tuesday, 3 December 2019 we hosted a live and interactive information and Q and A session (webinar) about the onboarding and application process. Applications have now closed - you can watch a recording of the session on-demand.

Contact us

Have a question? Need help? You can contact us through our online enquiry form.

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