A ReOC (Remote Operator’s Certificate) is a certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that authorises an organisation or business to conduct commercial drone operations in Australia. It is the primary licence required for companies and sole traders providing drone services for hire or reward.
What Is a ReOC? #
The ReOC is a certificate held by an organisation — not an individual. It certifies that the operator has demonstrated they can safely manage drone operations to CASA’s standards. This includes having appropriate procedures, manuals, and safety management systems in place.
A ReOC is required when a business or individual provides drone services commercially — that is, for payment, reward, or any other commercial benefit. This includes services such as aerial photography, surveying, agricultural spraying, and inspection work.
Who Needs a ReOC? #
You need a ReOC if your operations fall outside the Excluded Category — that is, if any of the following apply:
- Your drone weighs more than 25 kg.
- You are operating at night commercially.
- You are flying over a populous area or above 120 m AGL under certain conditions.
- You are conducting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
- Your operation type is not otherwise permitted under standard excluded category rules.
- CASA has determined your operation type requires certification.
Many smaller commercial operators (drones under 25 kg, within standard operational constraints) can operate under the Excluded Category without a ReOC. However, a ReOC allows significantly more operational flexibility and scope.
Key Requirements for Obtaining a ReOC #
To obtain a ReOC, an organisation must:
- Submit a formal application to CASA.
- Develop an Operations Manual that documents all procedures, safety protocols, maintenance schedules, and risk management processes.
- Demonstrate that all pilots holding a RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) are appropriately trained and current.
- Have a nominated Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) — a qualified person responsible for operational oversight and safety.
- Show evidence of a functioning Safety Management System (SMS).
- Pass a CASA assessment, which may include a site inspection or interview.
Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) vs ReOC #
These are two separate credentials that work together:
- The RePL is held by the individual pilot and certifies their personal competency to fly a drone commercially.
- The ReOC is held by the operating organisation and certifies that the company is authorised to conduct commercial operations.
In most certified commercial operations, pilots must hold a RePL and operate under a company that holds a ReOC. There are limited cases where a solo operator may hold both credentials as an individual and a sole trader entity.
ReOC Conditions and Limitations #
Each ReOC is issued with specific conditions that define what operations are permitted. These may include:
- Approved aircraft types and registration numbers.
- Approved operational areas or airspace categories.
- Permitted operation types (e.g., aerial work, survey, inspection).
- Requirements for NOTAM notifications or airspace authorisations.
Operators must operate strictly within the conditions of their ReOC. Conducting operations outside these conditions without CASA approval can result in enforcement action.
Maintaining a ReOC #
ReOC holders are required to:
- Keep their Operations Manual up to date and notify CASA of significant changes.
- Maintain pilot currency and training records.
- Report accidents and incidents to CASA as required by regulation.
- Cooperate with CASA audits and inspections.
The information above is a general guide only. ReOC requirements and processes may change. Always verify current requirements directly with CASA before beginning an application.