The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap

Broad area BVLOS pathway trial - 31 October 2025

CASA is trialling 4 approval pathways for broad area BVLOS flight operations for 12 months until 15 October 2026.

A ReOC holder who meets the requirements and criteria for these BVLOS flight approvals may apply for and receive broad area BVLOS operations approval for 12 months.

Read the temporary management instruction Broad BVLOS Operations to find out how to apply.

SORA - New population density bands - 4 March 2025

We have reviewed and introduced new population density bands associated with the specific operations risk assessment (SORA) criteria, adapted for the Australian environment. These additional population bands give industry greater flexibility in the operational area by providing a more accurate ground risk classification and reducing unnecessary control measures.

The industry responded positively to our ‘Assessing Ground Risk for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations’ webinar on 3 December 2024.

We are continuing to improve guidance and pathways for beyond visual line of sight operations and operations over and near people.

Exemption issued - 31 October 2025

We have been working closely with State and Territory Police forces and have issued exemption instruments to support police operations where drones can be used indoors.

Supporting first responders - 4 March 2025

We continue to support State and Territory first responders, to develop procedure manuals for scenario-based operations used in emergencies or recovery efforts.

We may issue exemption instruments from certain regulations to enable the efficient and timely use of RPAS during emergencies.

Consultation opened 13 October 2025 - 31 October 2025

We're asking for feedback on:

• the current framework that supports research and development (R&D) operations
• how we can improve the safety and regulatory framework to better support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.

Submit your feedback by 9 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub to help shape support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.

Discussion paper update - 21 July 2025

We have scheduled the release of the discussion paper for July 2025. We completed an internal peer review and are preparing for public release through the consultation hub.

Discussion paper delay - 4 April 2025

The release of the discussion paper is experiencing a slight delay for public release. Internal peer review of the paper is expected to close in mid-April, after which CASA will consider feedback and determine next steps for engagement.

Due to standard practices around election periods, we now expect to release the paper after the election.

Discussion paper update - 23 September 2025

The discussion paper has been finalised. We are preparing for public release through the consultation hub in October 2025.
 

Milestone update - 25 November 2025

DG guidance delayed.

Due to conflicting priorities, we now expect delivery of the carriage of Dangerous Goods (DG) in Q1 2026. This change will not impact any DG advice or approvals required in the interim.

On track for consultation - 23 September 2025

Draft guidance material has been developed. We anticipate it to be released for public consultation in Q4 2025.

Investigating regulatory pathways - 4 April 2025

CASA continues to investigate regulatory pathways to enable commercial operations involving large RPAs without an airworthiness certificate. Communications with industry will be forthcoming once CASA has concluded its investigations.