The BVLOS OCTA exam is being refreshed as an interim step towards this activity.
The BVLOS OCTA exam is being refreshed as an interim step towards this activity.
We are reviewing the skills remote pilots need under current operating conditions to inform the next steps for this activity. Public-facing deliverables may lag Q1, 2026.
We are reviewing the skills remote pilots need under current operating conditions to inform the next steps for this activity. Public-facing deliverables may lag Q1, 2026.
Policy development is on track. We are planning to hold the next vertiport design and operations technical working group meeting in Q1 2026.
Policy development is on track. We are planning to hold the next vertiport design and operations technical working group meeting in Q1 2026.
Consultation closed on 8 July 2025. We received 9 survey responses to this consultation and 4 written submissions.
Of the 9 survey respondents:
View submitted responses where consent has been given.
The associated general exemption has been drafted, and we aim to release it in line with AC 139.10 in Q1 2026.
On 10 June 2025, we opened consultation on draft advisory circular (AC) 139.10 v1.0: Guidelines for vertical flight aircraft facilities at aerodromes designed for aeroplanes.
We intended the AC to provide guidance to aerodrome and aircraft operators in the planning, design and operation of facilities for both:
It applies to facilities located on an aerodrome that the designers of which may have only designed for fixed-wing aeroplanes.
Consultation closed on 8 July 2025. We received 9 survey responses to this consultation and 4 written submissions.
Of the 9 survey respondents:
View submitted responses where consent has been given.
The associated general exemption has been drafted, and we aim to release it in line with AC 139.10 in Q1 2026.
Consultation closed on 8 July 2025. We received 9 survey responses to this consultation and 4 written submissions.
Of the 9 survey respondents:
View submitted responses where consent has been given.
The associated general exemption has been drafted, and we aim to release it in line with AC 139.10 in Q1 2026.
On 10 June 2025, we opened consultation on draft advisory circular (AC) 139.10 v1.0: Guidelines for vertical flight aircraft facilities at aerodromes designed for aeroplanes.
We intended the AC to provide guidance to aerodrome and aircraft operators in the planning, design and operation of facilities for both:
It applies to facilities located on an aerodrome that the designers of which may have only designed for fixed-wing aeroplanes.
View Airspace and traffic management timeline
Progress on international separation standards remains slow. Our increased understanding of the diversity of RPAS operations, each with different risk profiles increases the complexity of this activity.
Through consultation with SMEs and the Technical Working Group, we have updated the activity and milestone. The changes more accurately reflect what we can realistically provide under current policy settings, technological uptake and equipage norms.
Progress on international separation standards remains slow. Our increased understanding of the diversity of RPAS operations, each with different risk profiles increases the complexity of this activity.
Through consultation with SMEs and the Technical Working Group, we have updated the activity and milestone. The changes more accurately reflect what we can realistically provide under current policy settings, technological uptake and equipage norms.
View Airspace and traffic management timeline
We continue to work closely with Airservices and UAS service suppliers (USS) on the introduction of FIMS-enabled UTM services. Development of the Australian Future Airspace Framework is progressing. This work has better informed the next steps and feasibility of RPAS airspace activities. However, a high number of dependencies have been identified for this activity.
The previous wording of the activity was not clear. Through consultation with SMEs and the Technical Working Group the activity and milestone have been updated.
We continue to work closely with Airservices and UAS service suppliers (USS) on the introduction of FIMS-enabled UTM services. Development of the Australian Future Airspace Framework is progressing. This work has better informed the next steps and feasibility of RPAS airspace activities. However, a high number of dependencies have been identified for this activity.
The previous wording of the activity was not clear. Through consultation with SMEs and the Technical Working Group the activity and milestone have been updated.
View Aircraft and aircraft systems timeline
We anticipate that we will deliver guidance via an Advisory Circular (AC) incorporating both the national policy position (AA2a) and relevant airworthiness criteria.
We are balancing the benefits of incorporating learnings from early applicants against finalising the AC in line with the original milestone. Consultation with the Biannual Roadmap Technical Working Group informs how we do so.
We held a hydrogen and fuel cell airworthiness meeting on 26 February 2025. Industry shared key challenges and gaps in the regulations. This work supports regulations for AAM aircraft in Australia.
We anticipate that we will deliver guidance via an Advisory Circular (AC) incorporating both the national policy position (AA2a) and relevant airworthiness criteria.
We are balancing the benefits of incorporating learnings from early applicants against finalising the AC in line with the original milestone. Consultation with the Biannual Roadmap Technical Working Group informs how we do so.
We anticipate that we will deliver guidance via an Advisory Circular (AC) incorporating both the national policy position (AA2a) and relevant airworthiness criteria.
We are balancing the benefits of incorporating learnings from early applicants against finalising the AC in line with the original milestone. Consultation with the Biannual Roadmap Technical Working Group informs how we do so.
We held a hydrogen and fuel cell airworthiness meeting on 26 February 2025. Industry shared key challenges and gaps in the regulations. This work supports regulations for AAM aircraft in Australia.
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.
Draft guidance material has been developed. We anticipate it to be released for public consultation in Q4 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.
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.
Draft guidance material has been developed. We anticipate it to be released for public consultation in Q4 2025.
View Aircraft and aircraft systems timeline
We would like your feedback on the draft advisory circular (AC) for airworthiness cybersecurity for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
Airworthiness cybersecurity is about the protection of aviation information systems from cyber threats. most importantly, this relates to intentional unauthorised electronic interactions that may result in adverse effects upon the safety of an aircraft.
Submit your feedback by 5 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
Draft guidance material is undergoing final review. We expect to publish it for consultation by end of August 2025.
We would like your feedback on the draft advisory circular (AC) for airworthiness cybersecurity for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
Airworthiness cybersecurity is about the protection of aviation information systems from cyber threats. most importantly, this relates to intentional unauthorised electronic interactions that may result in adverse effects upon the safety of an aircraft.
Submit your feedback by 5 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We would like your feedback on the draft advisory circular (AC) for airworthiness cybersecurity for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
Airworthiness cybersecurity is about the protection of aviation information systems from cyber threats. most importantly, this relates to intentional unauthorised electronic interactions that may result in adverse effects upon the safety of an aircraft.
Submit your feedback by 5 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
Draft guidance material is undergoing final review. We expect to publish it for consultation by end of August 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
View Safety and resilience timeline
CASA and AAUS co-moderated the biannual Roadmap webinar in October 2025. The webinar provided the latest progress, key milestones and upcoming initiatives.
CASA and AAUS co-moderated the biannual Roadmap webinar in October 2025. The webinar provided the latest progress, key milestones and upcoming initiatives.
View Safety and resilience timeline
In June 2025, a geotargeted drone safety campaign was implemented in the Sydney basin and victor one corridor in response to unsafe drone activity.
As a result of the campaign, the number of drone flights fell by 45% compared with the prior period and 27% compared with the same time last year.
During the campaign period, 531 flights were recorded, down from 969 previously and 725 last year.
On 17 December 2024, we launched Phase 6 of our Know Your Drone campaign. It builds on the successes of earlier phases with practical tools and clear safety messages to help recreational drone operators fly safely and responsibly.
On 20 December 2024, we updated the Part 101 Plain English guide for Micro and Excluded RPA operations. This guide helps accredited drone operators flying micro and excluded category drones understand and follow the rules.
In June 2025, a geotargeted drone safety campaign was implemented in the Sydney basin and victor one corridor in response to unsafe drone activity.
As a result of the campaign, the number of drone flights fell by 45% compared with the prior period and 27% compared with the same time last year.
During the campaign period, 531 flights were recorded, down from 969 previously and 725 last year.
In June 2025, a geotargeted drone safety campaign was implemented in the Sydney basin and victor one corridor in response to unsafe drone activity.
As a result of the campaign, the number of drone flights fell by 45% compared with the prior period and 27% compared with the same time last year.
During the campaign period, 531 flights were recorded, down from 969 previously and 725 last year.
On 17 December 2024, we launched Phase 6 of our Know Your Drone campaign. It builds on the successes of earlier phases with practical tools and clear safety messages to help recreational drone operators fly safely and responsibly.
On 20 December 2024, we updated the Part 101 Plain English guide for Micro and Excluded RPA operations. This guide helps accredited drone operators flying micro and excluded category drones understand and follow the rules.
CASA has approved the AAM aircraft pilot licensing project to establish the license and competency requirements.
The project plan is endorsed with the initial steps now underway. Industry engagement is planned to commence Q3 2026.
CASA has approved the AAM aircraft pilot licensing project to establish the license and competency requirements.
The project plan is endorsed with the initial steps now underway. Industry engagement is planned to commence Q3 2026.
View Airspace and traffic management timeline
Airservices Australia, in collaboration with FIMS vendor Frequentis and the initial UAS Service Suppliers, is now working towards a revised launch of FIMS in late May 2026.
This revised timeline allows Airservices to complete additional validation and assurance activities. This will ensure the system is fully ready from day one.
Plans remain in place to provide automated authorisations for 28 controlled aerodromes upon FIMS go-live in May.
Since 2021, CASA and Airservices Australia have been trialling automated airspace authorisations (AAA) for commercial drone operations at select civil controlled aerodromes.
Later this year, the trial will transition to a permanent flight authorisation service delivered through Airservices' Flight Information Management System (FIMS) and participating third party service providers.
We expanded the automated airspace authorisations trial (AAAT), a joint initiative by CASA and Airservices.
More than 1,400 automated flight authorisations have been processed. This has saved industry more than $1.2 million in application fees.
CASA continues to work with Airservices to expand authorisations to all civil-controlled aerodromes via FIMS at the end of 2025.
Airservices Australia, in collaboration with FIMS vendor Frequentis and the initial UAS Service Suppliers, is now working towards a revised launch of FIMS in late May 2026.
This revised timeline allows Airservices to complete additional validation and assurance activities. This will ensure the system is fully ready from day one.
Plans remain in place to provide automated authorisations for 28 controlled aerodromes upon FIMS go-live in May.
Airservices Australia, in collaboration with FIMS vendor Frequentis and the initial UAS Service Suppliers, is now working towards a revised launch of FIMS in late May 2026.
This revised timeline allows Airservices to complete additional validation and assurance activities. This will ensure the system is fully ready from day one.
Plans remain in place to provide automated authorisations for 28 controlled aerodromes upon FIMS go-live in May.
Since 2021, CASA and Airservices Australia have been trialling automated airspace authorisations (AAA) for commercial drone operations at select civil controlled aerodromes.
Later this year, the trial will transition to a permanent flight authorisation service delivered through Airservices' Flight Information Management System (FIMS) and participating third party service providers.
We expanded the automated airspace authorisations trial (AAAT), a joint initiative by CASA and Airservices.
More than 1,400 automated flight authorisations have been processed. This has saved industry more than $1.2 million in application fees.
CASA continues to work with Airservices to expand authorisations to all civil-controlled aerodromes via FIMS at the end of 2025.
View Aircraft and aircraft systems timeline
We are seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the current requirements for airworthiness certification of large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
This action is part of the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.
The proposed amendment would provide flexibility in 2 areas:
Submit your feedback by 21 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We are preparing amendments to the Part 101 regulations and MOS. These amendments will provide more flexibility for airworthiness certification of large RPA. We expect the proposed changes to be ready for public consultation by the end of 2025. It is important to note that this process depends on resources outside of CASA control, but we aim for the regulation to be made in the first half of 2026.
We are seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the current requirements for airworthiness certification of large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
This action is part of the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.
The proposed amendment would provide flexibility in 2 areas:
Submit your feedback by 21 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We are seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the current requirements for airworthiness certification of large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
This action is part of the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.
The proposed amendment would provide flexibility in 2 areas:
Submit your feedback by 21 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We are preparing amendments to the Part 101 regulations and MOS. These amendments will provide more flexibility for airworthiness certification of large RPA. We expect the proposed changes to be ready for public consultation by the end of 2025. It is important to note that this process depends on resources outside of CASA control, but we aim for the regulation to be made in the first half of 2026.
View Aircraft and aircraft systems timeline
We are seeking your feedback on proposed changes to Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 100.24.
We intend these changes to reduce the administration and time involved in the maintenance authority application and approval process required for large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
The amendment would establish a streamlined administrative arrangement to improve application and processing times.
Submit your feedback by 18 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We are working to improve outcomes for maintenance permissions required under the current rules (e.g., CASR 101.260, 101.265, 101.020, and CAO 100.24).
We are focused on ensuring the competency of maintenance personnel and achieving practical outcomes that reflect the aircraft type and risk of operation.
We encourage industry to provide feedback to their TWG representatives.
We are seeking your feedback on proposed changes to Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 100.24.
We intend these changes to reduce the administration and time involved in the maintenance authority application and approval process required for large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
The amendment would establish a streamlined administrative arrangement to improve application and processing times.
Submit your feedback by 18 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We are seeking your feedback on proposed changes to Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 100.24.
We intend these changes to reduce the administration and time involved in the maintenance authority application and approval process required for large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
The amendment would establish a streamlined administrative arrangement to improve application and processing times.
Submit your feedback by 18 November 2025 via our Consultation Hub.
We are working to improve outcomes for maintenance permissions required under the current rules (e.g., CASR 101.260, 101.265, 101.020, and CAO 100.24).
We are focused on ensuring the competency of maintenance personnel and achieving practical outcomes that reflect the aircraft type and risk of operation.
We encourage industry to provide feedback to their TWG representatives.
The release of the Technical Working Group recommendations for a comprehensive flight test for medium RPA category licences has been delayed.
This is to ensure full development of the proposal, benefits, risks, controls and impact to RePL holders and training organisations.
We aim to open consultation in the middle of 2026.
The TWG has agreed on a recommendation and submitted it to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel for review. We expect to start public consultation in September 2025.
We are working with industry through a TWG, established by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel, on medium category and broader RPAS licensing framework improvements.
The release of the Technical Working Group recommendations for a comprehensive flight test for medium RPA category licences has been delayed.
This is to ensure full development of the proposal, benefits, risks, controls and impact to RePL holders and training organisations.
We aim to open consultation in the middle of 2026.
The release of the Technical Working Group recommendations for a comprehensive flight test for medium RPA category licences has been delayed.
This is to ensure full development of the proposal, benefits, risks, controls and impact to RePL holders and training organisations.
We aim to open consultation in the middle of 2026.
The TWG has agreed on a recommendation and submitted it to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel for review. We expect to start public consultation in September 2025.
We are working with industry through a TWG, established by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel, on medium category and broader RPAS licensing framework improvements.
We're asking for feedback on:
Submit your feedback by 9 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub to help shape support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.
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.
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.
The discussion paper has been finalised. We are preparing for public release through the consultation hub in October 2025.
We're asking for feedback on:
Submit your feedback by 9 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub to help shape support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.
We're asking for feedback on:
Submit your feedback by 9 December 2025 via our Consultation Hub to help shape support R&D for uncrewed aircraft operations.
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.
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.
The discussion paper has been finalised. We are preparing for public release through the consultation hub in October 2025.
View Aircraft and aircraft systems timeline
The National Aviation Authorities Network released the Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification on 17 June 2025.
It aims to ensure safety, support collaboration, encourage innovation and streamline the certification and validation process for new aircraft types across international borders.
We held a hydrogen and fuel cell airworthiness meeting on February 26, 2025. Industry shared key challenges and gaps in the regulations. This supports regulations for AAM aircraft in Australia.
The National Aviation Authorities Network released the Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification on 17 June 2025.
It aims to ensure safety, support collaboration, encourage innovation and streamline the certification and validation process for new aircraft types across international borders.
The National Aviation Authorities Network released the Roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft Type Certification on 17 June 2025.
It aims to ensure safety, support collaboration, encourage innovation and streamline the certification and validation process for new aircraft types across international borders.
We held a hydrogen and fuel cell airworthiness meeting on February 26, 2025. Industry shared key challenges and gaps in the regulations. This supports regulations for AAM aircraft in Australia.
View Improving pilot licensing rules timeline
View Improving pilot licensing rules timeline View Airworthiness and maintenance timeline
View Airworthiness and maintenance timeline View Airworthiness and maintenance timeline
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View Improving pilot licensing rules timeline
View Airworthiness and maintenance timeline
View Further continuous improvement for general aviation timeline
