Automated airspace authorisations

Eligible Remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC) holders can request automated airspace authorisations through apps and services that CASA verifies.

You can apply to fly:

• within 5.5 km (3 NM) of selected controlled airports
• in restricted airspace over Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas.

There is no limit on the number of authorisations you can receive.

Eligibility 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.

You must also meet the conditions that apply to your authorisation.

Choose a location and provider

Choose an app or service that supports authorisations at your planned flight location. 

Some providers charge fees or set additional requirements.

Airport coverage

All providers listed above support authorisations at these 10 airports:

• Adelaide
• Broome
• Cairns
• Canberra
• Coffs Harbour
• Essendon
• Hobart
• Melbourne
• Perth
• Sydney.

ATC4D, ok2fly and OneSky Systems also support 18 additional airports. View the full list of 28 airports on the Airservices Australia website.

Sydney Harbour coverage

Sydney Harbour coverage applies to restricted areas R407A and R407B.

Apply for an authorisation

1. The chief remote pilot must register your organisation with an app or service that supports authorisations for the planned flight location.
2. Once registered, any of your organisation’s remote pilots can submit a flight request. Submit the request no more than 30 days before the flight.
3. Wait for the app or service to issue your authorisation before flying.
4. Check your authorisation and follow all conditions and directions.

If airspace changes affect your authorisation, the provider 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.