How to Get Your Drone Licence in Australia

If you want to fly drones commercially in Australia, you need to hold the appropriate licence issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This guide covers everything you need to know about getting your drone licence, from understanding the different licence types to choosing the right training provider.

Do You Need a Drone Licence?

In Australia, recreational drone pilots flying standard consumer drones under 2 kilograms do not need a licence, provided they follow CASA's standard operating conditions. However, if you want to fly drones for commercial purposes, for reward, or outside the standard operating conditions, you will need either a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) or an Excluded Category qualification.

When You Need a Licence

Flying drones for commercial or business purposes
Flying drones weighing more than 2 kilograms
Flying in controlled airspace
Flying at night
Flying over people or in populated areas
Flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)

Types of Drone Licences

Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)

The RePL is the standard commercial drone licence in Australia. It authorises the holder to fly remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for commercial purposes. The RePL is category-specific, meaning you are endorsed for particular weight categories and aircraft types.

RePL categories include:

Sub-2 kg -- Small multi-rotor aircraft under 2 kilograms
Sub-7 kg -- Multi-rotor aircraft under 7 kilograms
Sub-25 kg -- Larger multi-rotor aircraft under 25 kilograms
Sub-25 kg fixed-wing -- Fixed-wing aircraft under 25 kilograms
Sub-150 kg -- Large aircraft under 150 kilograms

Excluded Category (Sub-2 kg)

For operators who only need to fly drones under 2 kilograms commercially, CASA offers an excluded category pathway. This requires completing an online aviation theory course and registering with CASA. It is a more accessible entry point but comes with additional operating restrictions.

Steps to Get Your RePL

Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites

Before enrolling in RePL training, you must:

Be at least 16 years old
Hold a valid Aviation Reference Number (ARN) issued by CASA
Complete an aviation medical examination or hold an aviation medical certificate (a basic Class 2 medical or a DAME-issued certificate is required)

Step 2: Complete Approved Training

You must complete your RePL training with a CASA-approved training provider. The training typically includes:

Theory component:

Aviation law and regulations
Meteorology basics
Aeronautical knowledge
Human factors
Drone-specific operating procedures
Emergency procedures

Practical component:

Pre-flight checks and risk assessments
Normal flight operations (hover, circuits, approaches)
Emergency procedures (motor failure, lost link, fly-away)
Mission planning and execution
Flight under various conditions

Training duration varies by provider but typically runs between 3 and 5 days for the standard multi-rotor RePL.

Step 3: Pass the Assessments

During your training, you will be assessed on both theory and practical components. The theory assessment covers aviation law, airspace, weather, and operational knowledge. The practical assessment tests your ability to fly safely and competently.

Step 4: Apply to CASA

Once you have completed your training and assessments, your training provider will submit the necessary documentation to CASA on your behalf. CASA will then issue your RePL, which is valid for the endorsed aircraft categories.

Step 5: Obtain an ReOC (If Required)

If you plan to operate your own drone business, you will also need a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC). This is the business-level certification that authorises an organisation to conduct commercial drone operations. You can either obtain your own ReOC or work under someone else's.

Choosing a Training Provider

When selecting a drone training provider, consider the following:

CASA approval -- Ensure the provider is certified by CASA to deliver RePL training
Experience -- Look for providers with extensive industry experience and qualified instructors
Course content -- Check that the course covers the aircraft categories you need
Practical training -- Ensure sufficient hands-on flight time is included
Post-course support -- Some providers offer ongoing support, job placement assistance, or ReOC guidance

Training with National Drones

National Drones is a CASA-approved training provider offering RePL courses across Australia. Our courses are delivered by experienced drone pilots who bring real-world commercial experience to the classroom.

We offer courses for multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft across multiple weight categories, with flexible scheduling and locations to suit your needs.

Cost of Getting Your Drone Licence

The cost of obtaining a RePL varies depending on the training provider and the number of categories you are endorsed for. Typical costs include:

RePL training course: $1,500 to $3,500
Aviation medical examination: $150 to $300
CASA application fees: Included in most course fees
ARN registration: Free

Maintaining Your Licence

Once issued, your RePL does not expire, but you must maintain currency by flying regularly and staying up to date with regulatory changes. If you hold an ReOC, it must be renewed periodically and requires ongoing compliance with CASA regulations.

Next Steps

Ready to get your drone licence? Contact National Drones to learn about our upcoming course dates and locations, or visit our training page for more information.

How to Get Your Drone Licence in Australia