The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the Australian federal government agency responsible for the safety regulation of civil aviation, including the operation of drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or RPA) in Australian airspace. CASA is the primary regulatory authority every drone operator in Australia must comply with.
Role and Responsibilities #
CASA was established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and operates under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR). Its responsibilities in the context of drone operations include:
- Setting and enforcing rules for the safe operation of drones in Australian airspace
- Issuing licences and certificates, including the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and the Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)
- Approving and overseeing certificated training organisations (CTOs) that deliver drone pilot training
- Managing airspace classifications and issuing NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)
- Investigating aviation safety incidents and accidents involving drones
- Administering the Drone Safety Rules under CASR Part 101
- Running public education campaigns such as the “Can I Fly There?” tool and the CASA drone safety hub
CASA’s Drone Safety Rules Framework #
CASA’s regulatory framework for drones is primarily found in CASR Part 101, which governs unmanned aircraft and rockets. Key operational categories under this framework include:
- Excluded Category: Low-risk operations (typically under 2 kg MTOW) that do not require a RePL or ReOC, provided specific conditions are met
- Standard Category: Operations requiring a RePL and ReOC, subject to standard CASA operating conditions
- Specific Category / Complex Operations: Higher-risk or non-standard operations requiring specific CASA approval or exemptions (e.g., BVLOS, flying over crowds)
Key CASA Tools for Drone Operators #
CASA provides several resources to help operators stay compliant:
- Can I Fly There? (NAIPS/OneSky): An interactive mapping tool that allows operators to check whether flying in a specific location is permitted, including airspace restrictions, controlled zones, and temporary flight restrictions
- CASA Drone Safety Hub: A centralised online resource at www.casa.gov.au/drones covering rules, registration, training, and compliance guidance
- Drone Safety Accreditation: A free online knowledge test for recreational operators that provides a basic understanding of the rules
- Approved Operators Register: A publicly searchable register of ReOC holders available on the CASA website
Enforcement Powers #
CASA has broad enforcement powers under the Civil Aviation Act 1988. These include the ability to issue infringement notices (on-the-spot fines), suspend or cancel licences and certificates, and pursue civil or criminal penalties for serious breaches. Penalties for unsafe drone operations can be significant — infringement notices can reach into thousands of dollars, and serious offences may attract court-imposed penalties.
CASA and Airspace Management #
CASA works in conjunction with Airservices Australia, which manages air traffic control and navigation services. Together they maintain the integrity of Australian airspace. Drone operators must be aware of airspace classifications — particularly controlled airspace around aerodromes (CTRs and CTAs) — where CASA approval or Air Traffic Control clearance is required before flying.
Contacting CASA #
Drone operators can contact CASA for regulatory enquiries through:
- Website: www.casa.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 737 032 (within Australia)
- Email enquiries via the CASA contact portal on their website
Always verify current regulations with CASA directly at www.casa.gov.au. Regulatory requirements can change, and this entry reflects the CASA framework as documented at the time of publication.