Use cases

Industry identified the following 9 use cases to inform the regulatory activities in this Roadmap. This is not an exhaustive list but covers a wide range of RPAS and AAM activities involving in Australia.

  1. Aerial application – using RPAS to apply or disperse chemicals, seeds or other items including spreading fertilisers and disinfectants, and assisting with fire management.

    Learn more about aerial application through our short explainer video.

  2. Entertainment – using RPAS for activities like light displays, racing, capturing still and video images for film and TV production. This also includes live sport and stadium operations or any other operation for entertainment purposes.
  3. Carrying cargo and packages - RPAS and AAM aircraft transporting cargo, from small last-mile deliveries to large long-distance cargo transport. These operations have the potential to improve access to goods, economic efficiencies and reduce emissions.

    Learn more about cargo carrying RPAS and AAM through our short explainer video.

  4. Inspections and imaging - using RPAS to capture imaging for information, research or data-gathering purposes. This may include photography, the use of LIDAR or other sensors and analysis.
  5. Passenger-carrying (urban and regional air mobility) - AAM aircraft transporting people in urban areas, from urban to regional centres, and between regional centres. AAM use cases are expanding and include transport for private purposes, emergency or medical, and tourism.

    Learn more about passenger-carrying AAM aircraft through our short explainer video.

  6. Sport, recreation and education - model aircraft operated for non-commercial purposes including for personal use, racing, and use by educational institutions.
  7. Surveillance and monitoring - using RPAS to surveil, check and search environments. This may include shark spotting operations and search and rescue. This may also include high altitude operations like long endurance pseudo satellites.
  8. Training - teaching and making sure operators can fly and maintain RPAS and AAM aircraft qualifications, proficiencies and competencies.
  9. Research and development - all activities needed to develop or gain insight into an aircraft, operation, system or technology to do with RPAS or AAM.

    Learn more about the research and development (R&D) activities taking place through our short explainer video.

Updated: 30 January 2025
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//resources-and-education/publications-and-resources/corporate-publications/rpas-and-aam-strategic-regulatory-roadmap/use-cases
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