A remote pilot licence (RePL) allows you to fly remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in circumstances that need specialist training.

You’ll need to apply for a RePL if you want to fly:

• a drone larger than 2 kg for commercial operations – any time you earn money for flying
• outside the drone safety rules (standard operating conditions)
• for a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) holder.

If you want to fly for commercial purposes, you must also either hold a ReOC or work for a ReOC holder. If you get paid for flying your drone – you are flying commercial.

An AROC is an aeronautical radio operator certificate. You will need an AROC as a RPAS operator if you intend to transmit on an aeronautical radio frequency.

You must be 17 years old to obtain an AROC.

A remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) allows you to earn money for flying, employ remote pilot licence (RePL) holders and fly outside the drone safety rules – also known as the standard operating conditions.

A ReOC allows you to:

• Flying closer than 30 metres.
• Get approval to fly within restricted airspace, near aerodromes and extended and beyond visual line-of-sight variations.
• Fly at night
• Fly as close as 15m to people
• Submit a Notice to Airmen alert (NOTAM).

Do I need a license on my own land?

You do not require a RePL if:

• you own the drone
• your drone weighs between 100g and 25kg*
• you – or someone flying on your behalf – are only flying over your own property
• the drone and land are owned or leased by the same person
• no money is paid for conducting the flight.

*You can fly a drone weighing up to 150 kg if you (or the person flying on your behalf) holds a RePL.

An ARN is your unique ID number that CASA uses to identify you each time you communicate with them. You need to obtain an ARN in order to complete your RePL, AROC, or ReOC.