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Consultation opened 13 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

We're asking for feedback on:

• the current framework that supports research and development (R&D) operations
• how we can improve the safety and regulatory framework to better support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.

Submit your feedback by 9 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub to help shape support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.

Discussion paper update - 21 July 2025

We have scheduled the release of the discussion paper for July 2025. We completed an internal peer review and are preparing for public release through the consultation hub.

Discussion paper delay - 4 April 2025

The release of the discussion paper is experiencing a slight delay for public release. Internal peer review of the paper is expected to close in mid-April, after which CASA will consider feedback and determine next steps for engagement.

Due to standard practices around election periods, we now expect to release the paper after the election.

Discussion paper update - 23 September 2025

The discussion paper has been finalised. We are preparing for public release through the consultation hub in October 2025.
 

TWG recommendation - 31 October 2025

The release of the Technical Working Group recommendations for a comprehensive flight test for medium RPA category licences has been delayed.

This is to ensure full development of the proposal, benefits, risks, controls and impact to RePL holders and training organisations.

We aim to open consultation in the middle of 2026.

TWG recommendation - 21 July 2025

The TWG has agreed on a recommendation and submitted it to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel for review. We expect to start public consultation in September 2025.

TWG established - 4 March 2025

We are working with industry through a TWG, established by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel, on medium category and broader RPAS licensing framework improvements.

Consultation open 21 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

We are seeking your feedback on proposed changes to Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 100.24.

We intend these changes to reduce the administration and time involved in the maintenance authority application and approval process required for large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

The amendment would establish a streamlined administrative arrangement to improve application and processing times.

Submit your feedback by 18 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.

Continuing airworthiness - 21 July 2025

We are working to improve outcomes for maintenance permissions required under the current rules (e.g., CASR 101.260, 101.265, 101.020, and CAO 100.24).

We are focused on ensuring the competency of maintenance personnel and achieving practical outcomes that reflect the aircraft type and risk of operation.

We encourage industry to provide feedback to their TWG representatives.

Consultation Open 21 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

We are seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the current requirements for airworthiness certification of large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

This action is part of the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.

The proposed amendment would provide flexibility in 2 areas:

• The types of certificates of airworthiness that may be used for operations of large RPA
• The circumstances where a certificate of airworthiness may not be required for operations of large RPA.

Submit your feedback by 21 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.

Regulation amendments - 23 September 2025

We are preparing amendments to the Part 101 regulations and MOS. These amendments will provide more flexibility for airworthiness certification of large RPA. We expect the proposed changes to be ready for public consultation by the end of 2025. It is important to note that this process depends on resources outside of CASA control, but we aim for the regulation to be made in the first half of 2026.

FIMS revised launch - 31 October 2025

Airservices Australia, in collaboration with FIMS vendor Frequentis and the initial UAS Service Suppliers, is now working towards a revised launch of FIMS in late May 2026.

This revised timeline allows Airservices to complete additional validation and assurance activities. This will ensure the system is fully ready from day one.

Plans remain in place to provide automated authorisations for 28 controlled aerodromes upon FIMS go-live in May.

Future of automatic airspace authorisations - 21 July 2025

Since 2021, CASA and Airservices Australia have been trialling automated airspace authorisations (AAA) for commercial drone operations at select civil controlled aerodromes.

Later this year, the trial will transition to a permanent flight authorisation service delivered through Airservices' Flight Information Management System (FIMS) and participating third party service providers.

Expansion of AAAT - 4 March 2025

We expanded the automated airspace authorisations trial (AAAT), a joint initiative by CASA and Airservices.

More than 1,400 automated flight authorisations have been processed. This has saved industry more than $1.2 million in application fees.

CASA continues to work with Airservices to expand authorisations to all civil-controlled aerodromes via FIMS at the end of 2025.

Project scoping commenced - 31 October 2025

CASA has approved the AAM aircraft pilot licensing project to establish the license and competency requirements.

The project plan is endorsed with the initial steps now underway. Industry engagement is planned to commence Q3 2026.

Sydney safety campaign - 31 October 2025

In June 2025, a geotargeted drone safety campaign was implemented in the Sydney basin and victor one corridor in response to unsafe drone activity.

As a result of the campaign, the number of drone flights fell by 45% compared with the prior period and 27% compared with the same time last year.

During the campaign period, 531 flights were recorded, down from 969 previously and 725 last year.

Know your drone - 4 March 2025

On 17 December 2024, we launched Phase 6 of our Know Your Drone campaign. It builds on the successes of earlier phases with practical tools and clear safety messages to help recreational drone operators fly safely and responsibly.

On 20 December 2024, we updated the Part 101 Plain English guide for Micro and Excluded RPA operations. This guide helps accredited drone operators flying micro and excluded category drones understand and follow the rules.

Industry Webinar - 31 October 2025

CASA and AAUS co-moderated the biannual Roadmap webinar in October 2025. The webinar provided the latest progress, key milestones and upcoming initiatives.

Broad area BVLOS pathway trial - 31 October 2025

CASA is trialling 4 approval pathways for broad area BVLOS flight operations for 12 months until 15 October 2026.

A ReOC holder who meets the requirements and criteria for these BVLOS flight approvals may apply for and receive broad area BVLOS operations approval for 12 months.

Read the temporary management instruction Broad BVLOS Operations to find out how to apply.

Exemption issued - 31 October 2025

We have been working closely with State and Territory Police forces and have issued exemption instruments to support police operations where drones can be used indoors.

Supporting first responders - 4 March 2025

We continue to support State and Territory first responders, to develop procedure manuals for scenario-based operations used in emergencies or recovery efforts.

We may issue exemption instruments from certain regulations to enable the efficient and timely use of RPAS during emergencies.