RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) is the official term used by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and adopted by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to describe the complete system used to operate a drone — encompassing the aircraft itself, its ground-based control equipment, the communications links between them, and any other components required for flight operations.
What Does RPAS Include? #
An RPAS is more than just the aircraft. It is a system comprising several integrated elements:
- The Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA): The airborne component — the drone or unmanned aircraft — that carries out the flight.
- Ground Control Station (GCS): The equipment used by the remote pilot to monitor and control the aircraft. This can range from a handheld transmitter to a sophisticated ground-based console for complex operations.
- Command and Control (C2) Link: The communications datalink that connects the GCS to the RPA, allowing the pilot to send control inputs and receive telemetry data.
- Launch and Recovery Equipment: Any equipment used to get the aircraft airborne or land it — including runways, catapults, or landing pads depending on the aircraft type.
- Payload Systems: Cameras, sensors, or other mission equipment carried by the aircraft.
- Support Equipment: Batteries, chargers, carrying cases, and other ancillary items needed to support the operation.
RPAS vs RPA vs UAV #
These terms are often used interchangeably but refer to different things:
- RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) refers specifically to the aircraft component.
- RPAS refers to the entire system — the aircraft plus all supporting equipment and infrastructure.
- UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is an older, broader term still commonly used in industry and media, though CASA and ICAO prefer RPA/RPAS for civilian aviation contexts.
- UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) is the equivalent term used predominantly in the United States (FAA) and has the same meaning as RPAS.
In Australian regulatory documents, you will generally find RPAS and RPA used, reflecting CASA’s alignment with ICAO standards.
Why the Terminology Matters for Australian Operators #
Understanding the distinction between an RPA and an RPAS is practically important for operators in Australia:
- Certification and licensing under CASA’s Part 101 framework often refers to the operation of the entire RPAS — meaning your obligations extend beyond just the aircraft to include how your ground station, communications, and support equipment are managed.
- Remote Operator’s Certificates (ReOC) are issued for the operation of an RPAS as a whole. Your operations manual must describe the entire system, not just the drone.
- Insurance for commercial RPAS operations typically covers the complete system. Operators should ensure policies reflect the full scope of their equipment.
- Airworthiness considerations under CASA’s certified category apply to the RPAS as a system, requiring the entire system — including the GCS and C2 links — to meet defined standards.
RPAS in the Context of Australian Drone Regulation #
CASA regulates the operation of RPAS in Australia primarily under Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 101. The regulations distinguish between different categories of RPAS operation based on factors such as aircraft weight (MTOW), the nature of the operation (commercial or recreational), and the operating environment.
ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) for RPAS are detailed in Annex 2 (Rules of the Air) and Circular 328, which Australia uses as the basis for its own regulatory framework.
Always verify current regulations and definitions with CASA directly at www.casa.gov.au. Regulations are subject to change.