Changes to approved training

The practical training requirements for gaining an Australian Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) will change from 1 June 2017.

The changes were set when amendments to Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101 commenced on 29 September 2016.

A RePL is required if you are operating a drone outside of the standard operating conditions applicable to the excluded category.

The excluded RPA category allows low-risk RPA operations in certain circumstances without the need for a ReOC or RePL. This includes commercial operators with RPAs lighter than 2 kilograms and some private landowners and leaseholders operating RPAs up to 25 kilograms. Private landowners and leaseholders operating above 25 kilograms are required to hold a RePL.

From 1 June, RePL applicants will satisfy the training requirements by completing a RePL training course conducted by a person holding a RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) that authorised the training. Applicants can also apply to CASA for a flight test.

CASA will continue to recognise practical training courses completed before 1 June 2017 by drone manufacturers or their agents.

CASA approved training organisations are located across Australia in regional and metropolitan areas and a list of approved drone operators,  including those who can conduct training, can be found on the this page. Traditional aviation flying schools can also provide aeronautical knowledge theory training.

Drone manufacturers and their agents who wish to provide practical training for the issue of a RePL from 1 June 2017 must hold a ReOC that authorises the training.

Depending on the training approval each ReOC holder has obtained, they can train in a range of categories (i.e. aeroplane, rotorcraft etc.) related to specific remotely piloted aircraft or drones.

An information package on becoming a certified training provider is available from CASA by emailing RPAS@casa.gov.au. To receive a package by reply email, include “manufacturer training approval” in the subject line.

More information about the advantages of holding a RePL can be found on the Flying drones/remotely piloted aircraft in Australia pages on this website. All inquiries can be emailed to RPAS@casa.gov.au.