AI compliance assistant
Future concept only. No automated compliance advice or decision tool is currently available.
Coming laterSafety and compliance
Drone safety resources
Find the right starting point, prepare for a flight and go directly to authoritative Australian guidance.
A practical starting point
Use this hub to identify the questions you need to answer before a flight. Requirements depend on the purpose, aircraft, location, airspace and level of risk. Always verify current rules with CASA and other relevant authorities.
Airspace governance insight
Beyond the airspace map
Explore SITA's discussion paper on authority, digital coordination, operational assurance and community trust in increasingly complex low-altitude airspace.
Explore the knowledge hub
Move from foundational rules to advanced operations using clearly sourced Australian guidance.
CASA resources
Official rules, registration, licensing and authorisation pathways.
Open CASA drone hubRisk assessment
AusSORA guidance for complex operations and structured operational risk assessment.
Read AusSORA guidanceOperational safety
Planning prompts, safety apps and operating responsibilities for everyday flight decisions.
Review drone rulesBVLOS
CASA requirements, application steps and current pathways for beyond visual line-of-sight operations.
Open BVLOS guidanceRemote ID and digital identification
Follow Australian Government and CASA sources for developing identification and emerging aviation policy.
View emerging aviation policyEmergency procedures
Prepare for changed conditions and avoid interfering with authorised emergency activity.
Read emergency adviceDownloads and forms
Find current application material through CASA rather than relying on an outdated local copy.
Open flight authorisationsCompliance guides
Use Part 101 and CASA operational guidance as the primary regulatory reference points.
Read Part 101Start with your purpose
Choose your operating pathway
The purpose of the flight changes which requirements may apply. Select the closest starting point, then confirm your exact circumstances with CASA.
Recreational flying
Start with CASA's recreational rules and a verified drone safety app. Local land-use rules still apply.
View recreational rulesWork or business
Registration and an operator accreditation, RePL, ReOC or specific approval may apply. Check the exact pathway before operating.
Check registration requirementsEducation and research
The purpose of the flight determines the pathway. Research, teaching or paid activity is not automatically recreational.
Explore CASA drone guidanceVisiting Australia
Overseas registration or credentials do not automatically transfer. Check operating, battery travel and local access requirements before arrival.
Read travel guidancePlan, verify, record
Before you fly
A structured pre-flight prompt for learning and discussion. It is not a flight authorisation or a substitute for an operator's procedures.
Purpose and authorisation
- Define whether the flight is recreational, work, education or research
- Confirm registration, accreditation, licence, certificate or approval needs
Airspace and location
- Check current airspace information and nearby restrictions
- Confirm landowner, park, council and local access rules
Aircraft and conditions
- Inspect the aircraft, controls, propellers and batteries
- Check weather, visibility, range and a safe landing area
People and response
- Plan separation from people and protect privacy
- Brief the team and prepare for lost link, diversion or an emergency
Authoritative tools
Where can I fly?
Aviation information is only part of the decision. A location may also be subject to council, state, territory, park or landowner rules.
CASA-verified drone safety appsCheck where you can and cannot fly using an app verified to use CASA data.Open CASA's app list Local Drone Rules ToolExplore non-aviation drone restrictions published by participating local authorities around Australia.Open the national tool Airservices flight briefingProfessional operators can access operational briefing information, including NOTAM and weather services, through Airservices.Visit flight briefing
Know the pathway
Registration and qualifications
These are common checkpoints, not a complete eligibility assessment. The appropriate combination depends on the aircraft and operation.
Drone registration
Drones flown for work or as part of a job generally need to be registered. CASA registration is time-limited and must remain current.
Check registrationOperator accreditation
Some operators need accreditation before flying an eligible drone for work. Check exemptions and validity directly with CASA.
Check accreditationRemote pilot and operator credentials
A RePL, ReOC or other authorisation may be needed for operations outside simpler pathways or standard conditions.
Explore CASA guidancemyCASA and approvals
myCASA is CASA's online service for drone registration, accreditation and selected aviation services.
Learn about myCASAWhen conditions change
Common safety situations
Emergency services are operating
Keep the drone grounded around police, bushfire, flood, storm or rescue activity unless you are authorised and coordinated with the response.
Read CASA emergency adviceLost link or unexpected behaviour
Follow the aircraft and operator procedures, prioritise a safe landing area, protect people and record what occurred before flying again.
Review the drone rulesBattery or aircraft damage
Do not launch with a damaged aircraft, swollen battery, abnormal heat or an unresolved warning. Isolate the equipment and follow manufacturer guidance.
Review safety guidanceTravelling with a drone
Check airline restrictions before travel. Batteries and equipment may need specific packing and cabin arrangements.
Read travel guidanceBeyond the airspace map
Privacy, land access and reporting
Privacy and local access
Respect people, personal information and the rules of the land you use. Check OAIC privacy information together with council, park, state or territory requirements.
Read OAIC drone privacy guidanceReport unsafe operation
CASA provides a channel for reporting unsafe drone use. Aviation accidents or serious incidents may also require reporting through the applicable safety process.
Report unsafe drone useOfficial Australian sources
CASA drone hubRules, registration, accreditation, licences, certificates and authorisations.CASA drone rulesCurrent safety rules and topic-specific operating guidance.Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety RegulationsThe regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft and rockets.CASA drone safety appsApps verified to use CASA-supplied airspace data.CASA safety reportingWays to submit aviation safety reports and find the appropriate channel.
Content reviewed 20 July 2026
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory or operational advice. Rules, airspace and local restrictions can change. Verify current requirements with CASA and other relevant authorities before every operation.