The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap timeline

Airspace and traffic management

image of a man using a controller and map

December 2025

AM4a: Initial implementation to ease identified risks and support RPAS airspace integration In progress

Begin implementation towards RPAS airspace integration to mitigate identified risks, facilitate progress, and help gain broader acceptance from all airspace users. This includes maturing systems building from trials for automated airspace authorisations for ReOC holders within 5.5 km of selected controlled airports.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

image of drones flying in the sky

December 2025

AM6: Consider standardised airspace requirements for RPAS - RPAS and RPAS - AAM In progress

Conduct analysis to decide the need for, demand drivers, and oversight requirements for RPAS integration.

Principle: Safety first.

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December 2025

AM5: Conduct an analysis to understand the crossover point from self-separation to a ‘managed’ environment In progress

Conduct analysis to decide the need for, demand drivers, and oversight requirements for RPAS integration.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

image of a man writing down on a paper

June 2026

AM2a: Review existing flight rules against the future needs for RPAS In progress

Research how international flight rules for RPAS and AAM have been implemented and investigate how existing flight rules apply to RPAS and AAM in Australia. Review Australian flight rules considering the evolving needs of RPAS, anticipating the need to align with operational maturity and technology advancements over time. Identify future changes required including conspicuity and equipage considerations.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of generated Australia map

December 2026

AM1: Through the AFAF, develop a transparent, consistent, and scalable method to manage Australian airspace that supports RPAS and AAM integration In progress

Develop an overarching framework to align and integrate all airspace users, including RPAS, AAM and high-altitude operations. The AFAF is a component of Australia’s long-term airspace reforms.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

image of generated earth map

December 2026

AM3: Develop an implementation plan for airspace modernisation that is flexible, scalable and supports all airspace users Not started

Develop an implementation plan under the AFAF, supported by a long-term strategic airspace plan that will support all airspace users. This will be reliant on both higher-level policy and operational technology.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

image of a plane flying in the sky between buildings

December 2027

AM4b: Initial implementation to ease identified risks and support AAM airspace integration Not started

Commence implementation to mitigate identified risks and facilitate AAM airspace integration to assist broader acceptance by all airspace users.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

image of air control traffic maps

December 2027

AM7a: Develop standards and capabilities to support the implementation of low flight-level traffic for RPAS Not started

Develop standards and capabilities to support the implementation of low flight-level traffic management systems for RPAS. This includes exploring existing standards, international developments and Australian airspace needs while aligning with government safety initiatives.

Principle: Safety first.

image of a drone landed on the ground

June 2028

AM9: Consider airspace requirements for vertiport operations Not started

Consider airspace requirements to address demand and capacity needs for air traffic into and out of vertiports.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

image of drones

June 2028

AM10a: Develop new RPAS segregation requirements to support and use improving technologies such as high levels of automation Not started

Develop RPAS and AAM segregation requirements that leverage increasing levels of automation and emerging technologies in airspace management. These new requirements aim to enhance aviation safety and increase efficiency.

Principle: Safety first.

image of a man thinking

June 2029

AM2b: Review flight rules against the future needs for AAM Not started

Research how international flight rules for RPAS and AAM have been implemented and investigate how existing flight rules apply to RPAS and AAM in Australia. Review Australian flight rules considering the evolving needs of AAM, anticipating the need to align with operational maturity and technology advancements over time. Identify future changes required including conspicuity and equipage considerations.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a drone flying

December 2029

AM7b: Develop standards and capabilities to support low flight-level traffic management systems for AAM Not started

Develop standards and capabilities to support low flight-level traffic management systems for AAM. This includes exploring existing standards, international developments and Australian airspace needs while aligning with government safety initiatives.

Principle: Safety first.

image of air traffic control towers

December 2029

AM8: Consider regulatory requirements for integrating air traffic management systems Not started

Consider the regulatory needs for integrating air traffic management systems (for instance, ATM and UTM) following the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System implementation and government policy direction on UTM.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.

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December 2029

AM10b: Develop new AAM segregation requirements to support and use improving technologies such as high levels of automation Not started

Develop RPAS and AAM segregation requirements that leverage increasing levels of automation and emerging technologies in airspace management. These new requirements aim to enhance aviation safety and increase efficiency.

Principle: Safety first.

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December 2030

AM11: Continue airspace modernisation to support the integration of RPAS and AAM into all airspace environments Not started

Progress airspace modernisation towards the integration of RPAS and AAM into all airspace environments, ensuring a safe, efficient and cohesive operational environment.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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December 2032

AM12: Review and update rulesets for integration, global mechanisms, and requirements for increasing levels of automation Not started

Review and update rulesets for integration, ensuring they account for the adoption of new technologies worldwide.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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December 2033

AM13: Develop standards to support cooperative participation between all airspace users Not started

Develop standards to support cooperative participation among all airspace users. This aims to mature provisions for increasing levels of automation and integrating emerging technologies in airspace management.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

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December 2034

AM14: Develop and implement airspace concepts to support all airspace users in a seamless airspace environment Not started

Develop and implement airspace concepts to support all users in a seamless future airspace environment, improving coordination and efficiency. This activity works towards the master plan for Australian airspace.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.

Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//search-centre/publication-timeline
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