We've updated an exemption for approved operators flying drones over areas where lots of people are present.
Date
What has changed
If you already hold an approval to fly close to people or in another person’s safety zone, you may not need a separate approval for some populous area flights.
The exemption only applies to very small, small and medium remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
Who it’s for
You can use this exemption if you hold a current approval:
- to fly within 30 metres of people who are not directly involved in the flight (under regulation 101.029 of CASR)
- to fly in, or over, another person’s safety zone (under CASA 20/25).
How it works
When you meet these conditions, you do not need separate approvals:
- for flying a very small, small or medium RPA over a populous area outside an approved area (under paragraph 101.250(1)(b) of CASR))
- for flying over a populous area (under subregulation 101.280(2) of CASR)).
All other Part 101 rules still apply. You must follow your operations manual and all approved conditions.
You can read the full exemption, including all definitions and conditions, under Part 101 legislative instruments.