If you've ever searched for information about drones in Australia, you've likely encountered a confusing mix of acronyms: RPAS, UAV, UAS, and RPA. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they each have distinct meanings — especially in the context of Australian aviation regulations.
Drone — The Everyday Term
“Drone” is the most widely recognised term for any unmanned aircraft. Whether it's a small consumer quadcopter or a large industrial aircraft used for inspections and surveying, the public and media generally call them all drones. The term has no specific regulatory definition in Australia but is universally understood.
UAV — Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
UAV stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. This term refers specifically to the aircraft itself — the flying platform without a human pilot on board. UAV originated in military contexts and is still commonly used in defence and international settings. However, in Australian civil aviation, CASA has moved away from this term in favour of RPA.
RPA — Remotely Piloted Aircraft
RPA stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft. This is CASA's preferred term for the aircraft component. The key distinction is the word “remotely piloted” — it emphasises that a human operator is always in control, which is a fundamental requirement under Australian aviation law. Unlike “unmanned,” the term RPA acknowledges the pilot in the loop.
RPAS — Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
RPAS stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. This is the broadest and most technically accurate term, encompassing:
- The RPA (the aircraft itself)
- The remote pilot station (controller or ground control station)
- The command and control link (communication between the pilot and aircraft)
RPAS is the official term used in Australian regulations and by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). When CASA refers to drone operations, licensing, and regulations, they use RPAS terminology. Operators in Australia hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) to fly an RPAS commercially.
UAS — Unmanned Aircraft System
UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System. It is essentially the American and NATO equivalent of RPAS, covering the complete system of aircraft, ground station, and data links. The FAA in the United States uses UAS as its standard term. While understood in Australia, UAS is not the preferred regulatory term.
Quick Reference
| Term | Stands For | What It Covers | Used By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drone | — | Any unmanned aircraft | General public, media |
| UAV | Unmanned Aerial Vehicle | The aircraft only | Military, international |
| RPA | Remotely Piloted Aircraft | The aircraft only | CASA (Australia) |
| RPAS | Remotely Piloted Aircraft System | Aircraft + controller + data link | CASA, ICAO |
| UAS | Unmanned Aircraft System | Aircraft + controller + data link | FAA (USA), NATO |
Which Term Should You Use?
In Australia, use RPAS and RPA in regulatory, commercial, or formal contexts. Use drone in everyday conversation — everyone knows what you mean. If you're working with international partners or US-based organisations, you may encounter UAS and UAV.
Regardless of the terminology, what matters is operating safely and legally. If you're planning to fly commercially in Australia, you'll need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). National Drones offers CASA-accredited training courses including an Online RePL course starting from $999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about drone and RPAS terminology
What does UAV stand for?+
UAV stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. It refers to the aircraft itself — the flying component without a pilot on board. In Australia, CASA prefers the term RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) instead of UAV.
What does RPAS stand for?+
RPAS stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. It includes the aircraft (RPA), the remote controller, and the communication link between them. This is the official term used by CASA in Australian aviation regulations.
What is the difference between a drone and a UAV?+
In everyday language, 'drone' and 'UAV' refer to the same thing — an unmanned aircraft. 'Drone' is the common term used by the public and media, while 'UAV' is used in military and technical contexts. In Australia, the official regulatory term is RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft).
What does UAS stand for?+
UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System. Like RPAS, it refers to the complete system including the aircraft, ground controller, and data links. UAS is commonly used in the United States and by NATO, while Australia uses the equivalent term RPAS.
Do I need a licence to fly an RPAS in Australia?+
Commercial drone operators in Australia need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) issued by CASA. Recreational flyers can operate without a licence if they follow CASA's standard operating conditions, including flying below 120 metres and keeping the drone within visual line of sight.