Advanced operations

Advanced remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) operations are:

  • new and different ways of using RPAS that have not been done before
  • applications that go beyond routine operations permitted by current regulations.

Advanced RPAS operations may include one or more of the following:

  • large RPA (more than 150 kg) that require experimental certificates for one or more of the purposes under CASR 21.191
  • large RPA used for commercial purpose
  • high altitude operations above Class G airspace, with a lower limit above 8,500 ft 
  • specific operations risk assessment (SORA) safety assurance and integrity level (SAIL) III or higher operations (for more information, see Apply for beyond visual line-of-sight approvals)
  • operations over or near people that do not meet the Temporary Management Instruction for RPA operations over or near people for more information, see Flying near people
  • autonomous RPAS operations where the remote pilot cannot intervene in the conduct of the flight
  • drone delivery services.

If your enquiry does not relate to the Advanced RPAS operations listed above, see registration and flight authorisations.

Enquire or apply for advanced RPAS operations

  1. Read the following information

    You should familiarise yourself with the:

  2. Tell us about your proposed advanced operation

    Submit information to us about your proposed advanced RPAS operation using our online enquiry form.

    Complete online enquiry form

    You must have an aviation reference number (ARN). You will also need to provide the following information:

    • contact details
    • legal entity name
    • ReOC name and certificate number (if applicable)
    • summary of the:
      • location of the proposed operations, including coordinates
      • proposed RPA, including make, model, and weight details (for experimental RPA, include category and projected specifications)
      • proposed timeframe for the operation
      • altitude you intend to operate the RPA
      • other relevant information (for example, certificate of airworthiness, BVLOS operation, carriage of dangerous goods, operations over or near people).

  3. Meet with us

    We will review the information you have provided. We will organise a pre-application meeting with you or request more information if required.

    A pre-application meeting allows:

    • us to give you an overview of the application process and what is needed to support your application
    • you to ask us questions about your proposed advanced RPAS operation.

    To maximise our time with you, you must send your questions to us before the meeting.

    Pre-application meetings:

    • are about 30 minutes
    • are done by video call or phone
    • may incur charges ($160 per hour) if more than 30 minutes is needed.

    Following the meeting, we will provide you with a summary of the requirements for your proposed advanced RPAS operation including details on how to apply.

Related content

Related rules and publications

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