Regulatory proposal and initiatives search

Category(s)

We regularly review RPAS policy to apply a risk-based approach that enables safe operations and improves efficiency. This work will be ongoing and will adapt to industry needs.

Principle: Safety first.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q4 2024

End date:

Q4 2034

Status

Enduring

PE1: Begin implementation of regulatory and system changes following the review of RePL requirements

Updated 4 April 2025

View People timeline

Publication(s)

Category(s)

People

Begin implementing regulatory and system changes based on RePL requirements review. Future-proof the licensing system to accommodate industry growth and evolving concepts of operation. This could include streamlined pathways for medium RPAS licensing.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

Update

We are working with industry through a TWG, established by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel, on medium category and broader RPAS licensing framework improvements.

Start date:

Q4 2024

End date:

Q2 2025

Status

In progress

OP3: Work with first responder agencies to enable safe operations and improve safety education

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Category(s)

We maintain liaison with first responder agencies to enhance education on the safe operation of RPAS and regularly review policies and procedures that support operations.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q4 2024

End date:

Q4 2034

Status

Enduring

View Airspace and traffic management timeline

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

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Airspace and traffic management

Category(s)

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.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q3 2024

End date:

Q4 2025

Status

In progress

View Airspace and traffic management timeline

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

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Airspace and traffic management

Category(s)

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.

Update

Work on AFAF is progressing. We conducted a review of the TWG tasking instructions and membership to ensure adequate representation of emerging technologies. We held a TWG meeting in November 2024 with new members in attendance.

Start date:

Q3 2024

End date:

Q4 2026

Status

In progress

AA6: Publish guidance on the evidence required for RPAS airworthiness and operational safety goals

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators to develop procedures and guidance for medium risk RPAS airworthiness. Improve existing regulatory pathways to allow a risk-based approach to RPAS operations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Update

We have identified this as a priority task, and we have started working on it. We plan to deliver guidance progressively between now and Q2 2026.

Start date:

Q1 2025

End date:

Q2 2026

Status

In progress

View Safety and resilience timeline

SR1: Continue to carry out safety education and promotion activities to embed a positive safety culture

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Safety and resilience

We will conduct ongoing safety education and promotion activities, informed by industry maturity and needs, for RPAS and AAM operators to foster a positive safety culture.

Principle: Safety first.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q4 2024

End date:

Q4 2034

Status

Enduring

View Safety and resilience timeline

SR2: Consider data collection and uses to improve safety results

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Find out more about SSRPs.

Category(s)

Safety and resilience

We analyse data from the National Drone Detection System to assess RPAS user behaviour for compliance and aviation safety. We use this data for enforcement related matters and informing mitigation strategies like targeted safety campaigns.

Principle: Safety first.

Update

In October 2024 we held a safety sector risk profile (SSRP) workshop, with a focus on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

We published the RPAS SSRP on 12 December 2024. It focuses on:

approved CASR Part 101 – Rules for all uncrewed aeronautical activities
commercial operations up to and including BVLOS.

Start date:

Q4 2024

End date:

Q4 2034

Status

Enduring

OP5: Review and develop pathways to support research and development operations

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Review requirements for research and development; and develop and publish guidance. This activity aims to support industry needs, while ensuring best practices and safety standards throughout systems, operations development and testing processes.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q3 2024

End date:

Q1 2025

Status

In progress

OP4a: Develop industry guidance to support large RPAS operations

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Review policy and publish industry guidance outlining operational pathways to support the safe operation of large RPAS.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q3 2024

End date:

Q4 2025

Status

In progress

AA2a: Publish policy position for certifying piloted AAM

Updated 4 April 2025

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise guidance on the certification of piloted AAM, airworthiness criteria and means of compliance.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

Update

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.

Start date:

Q4 2024

End date:

Q3 2025

Status

In progress

OP12: Streamline processes for the approval of SMS for RPAS and AAM operators

Updated 20 December 2024

Publication(s)

Category(s)

OP11: Develop SMS and human factor policies for RPAS that are relative to risk and complexity

Updated 20 December 2024

Publication(s)

Category(s)

View Airspace and traffic management timeline

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

Updated 11 December 2024

Publication(s)

Airspace and traffic management

Category(s)

AA2c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for certification of piloted AAM

Updated 11 December 2024

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Identify published standards from standards organisations that applicants may use to show compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements. This will need us to work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise as piloted AAM needs mature.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

Start date:

Q1 2026

End date:

Q4 2026

Status

Not started

AA3: Progress the development of a fit for purpose continuing airworthiness policy for AAM

Updated 11 December 2024

Publication(s)

Category(s)

Progress the development of a fit-for-purpose continuing airworthiness policy and regulatory pathways. Adopt a proportional approach to AAM maintenance, maintenance personnel licensing, and continuing airworthiness management policies.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Start date:

Q4 2025

End date:

Q3 2026

Status

Not started

AA4a: Publish a policy position for the airworthiness certification of RPAS

Updated 11 December 2024

Publication(s)

Category(s)

AA5: Progress the development of a fit for purpose continuing airworthiness policy for higher-risk RPAS

Updated 11 December 2024

Publication(s)

Category(s)