Operations include the requirements, conditions and approvals needed to safely conduct remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) operations across differing risk-based categories. This includes:
standard operating conditions for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and model aircraft
operational approvals and authorisations for RPA
operating conditions for AAM
operational approvals and authorisations for AAM
regulatory interfaces (for example licensing, maintenance, equipage requirements, certification, registration marks, security).
Image of a drone, operations
What we want to achieve
We aim to maintain an effective, outcome-based regulatory framework for operational requirements and approvals. This framework aims to be scalable and accessible to all entrants, and subject to appropriate regulatory oversight that is comparable with the level of risk an operation may pose.
How we will do this
Develop and publish further guidance material for RPAS operations already enabled in existing regulation including acceptable means of compliance.
Develop and publish guidance material for approval of research and development operations.
Review and publish guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods by RPAS.
Implement regulatory changes from the post implementation review of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 101.
Conduct a gap analysis of CASR parts to identify regulatory changes required to support RPAS and AAM operations.
Publish more standard scenarios and specific operation risk assessment (SORA) guidance for low risk RPAS operations and emergency services.
Talk with model aircraft, drone sport, and recreation flyers to find opportunities for improved collaboration and consultation.
Develop guidance on the operational approval requirements for AAM operations, including operations that are remotely piloted and pilot-on-board.
Develop standards for international RPAS and AAM operations.
Review existing approval and oversight processes to make sure they are proportionate to the risk and complexity of operational activities.
Integrate RPAS operational requirements into relevant CASR parts for operations outside the scope of Part 101.
Apply changes required to support operational requirements for AAM.
Mature risk calculation methods used for determining operational categories using data, artificial intelligence and/or quantitative methods.
Consider alternative methods of regulatory oversight, including possible use of self-administering organisations.
Immediate term – 2022 to 2023
Develop and publish further guidance material for RPAS operations already enabled in existing regulation including acceptable means of compliance.
Develop and publish guidance material for approval of research and development operations.
Review and publish guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods by RPAS.
Implement regulatory changes from the post implementation review of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 101.
Conduct a gap analysis of CASR parts to identify regulatory changes required to support RPAS and AAM operations.
Publish more standard scenarios and specific operation risk assessment (SORA) guidance for low risk RPAS operations and emergency services.
Talk with model aircraft, drone sport, and recreation flyers to find opportunities for improved collaboration and consultation.
Near term – 2023 to 2026
Develop guidance on the operational approval requirements for AAM operations, including operations that are remotely piloted and pilot-on-board.
Develop standards for international RPAS and AAM operations.
Review existing approval and oversight processes to make sure they are proportionate to the risk and complexity of operational activities.
Medium term – 2026 to 2031
Integrate RPAS operational requirements into relevant CASR parts for operations outside the scope of Part 101.
Apply changes required to support operational requirements for AAM.
Mature risk calculation methods used for determining operational categories using data, artificial intelligence and/or quantitative methods.
Consider alternative methods of regulatory oversight, including possible use of self-administering organisations.
Long term – 2031 to 2036
Published date: 5 June 2022
