Learn with the National Drones Institute
CASA-accredited drone training courses for every skill level. From recreational awareness to commercial licensing, there's a course that's right for you.
Flight practice
Test your control in Dronecraft before you train
Fly through gates, complete scan zones, and use rockets on target blocks in a quick National Drones mission.
Find the Right Training Path
Pick the option that best matches where you are now.
I need my drone licence
Choose the structured Blended RePL Course or a fully in-person pathway.
Start Blended RePL
I want to try a lesson first
Use the free starter courses to learn the rules before committing to a licence.
View Free Courses
I need to train a team
Talk to us about group delivery, operational requirements, and location options.
Plan Team Training
I want dates and availability
Compare upcoming courses across locations and secure a practical assessment date.
View ScheduleRePL Study Guide
Study the National Drones RePL theory guide as indexed web lessons, with a downloadable edition generated from the same content and built to stay aligned with current CASA sources.
Why Train with National Drones?
National Drones Institute is your all-in-one service for RPAS training, backed by official CASA accreditation.
CASA Accredited
Officially accredited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for drone pilot training across Australia.
Expert Instructors
Learn from experienced commercial drone pilots with real-world industry knowledge and operational expertise.
Nationwide Delivery
Training delivered across Australia with practical sessions in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra.
Our Courses
Choose from our range of drone training courses to suit your experience level and career goals.
RePL Licence
Get your Remote Pilot Licence in 5 days — the CASA certification you need to fly drones commercially anywhere in Australia.
$2,400 + GST
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Piloting)
Australia's most comprehensive drone qualification — your RePL plus advanced operations in one 10-day nationally recognised course.
Drone Awareness Course
A one-day crash course for teams exploring drones — understand the regulations, capabilities, and ROI before you invest.
$199
Sub 2kg Course
Fly sub-2kg drones commercially without a full RePL — a 2-day course covering CASA rules, safety, and practical skills.
Blended RePL Course
Prepare at your own pace, then complete three scheduled training days: live online theory, local classroom theory, and practical flying and assessment.
From $1,250 inc GSTusually $1,650 inc GST
Upcoming Course Dates
Secure your place on an upcoming course.
Sydney — Sydney metropolitan area — exact venue confirmed on enrolment
11–12 August 2026
Melbourne — Melbourne metropolitan area — exact venue confirmed on enrolment
25–26 August 2026
Do I Need a RePL Qualification?
CASA requires a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) for anyone conducting commercial drone operations with aircraft exceeding 2kg. If you plan to use drones for business purposes such as aerial photography, surveying, inspections, or agricultural spraying, you will need a RePL.
For recreational flying of drones under 2kg, a RePL is not required, but our Drone Awareness Course is recommended to ensure you understand the rules and fly safely.
What is the Difference Between the Cert III and RePL?
Both the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Piloting) and the RePL provide the equivalent commercial licensing outcome. The key difference is that the Certificate III is a nationally recognised qualification that includes industry-specific knowledge and may qualify for university credit.
The Certificate III is ideal for students entering drone-dependent industries who want a broader educational foundation, while the RePL is suited for professionals who need efficient, focused licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any free drone courses in Australia?
- Yes. National Drones offers a free Drone Awareness Course — an interactive, self-paced online course covering air law, airspace rules, meteorology, and safe flying practices. It is perfect for beginners and recreational pilots. We also offer a free sample lesson from the Blended RePL Course so you can try before you commit.
- What drone licence do I need to fly commercially in Australia?
- You need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) issued by CASA. National Drones offers a 5-day in-person course ($2,400 + GST) or the Blended RePL Course ($1,650 inc GST), with self-paced preparation followed by three scheduled days: live online theory, local classroom theory, and practical flying and assessment. Both include the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC).
- What is the cheapest way to get a drone licence in Australia?
- The Brisbane Blended RePL Course at $1,250 inc GST is the lowest advertised National Drones RePL pathway. Complete self-paced preparation before three scheduled training days: live online theory, local classroom theory, and practical flying and assessment. The standard blended-course price for other locations is $1,650 inc GST.
- How long does drone training take?
- The in-person RePL is 5 days. The Blended RePL Course includes self-paced preparation followed by three scheduled training days. The Certificate III in Aviation is 10 days. The free Drone Awareness Course can be completed in a few hours.
- Where does National Drones run drone training courses?
- We run in-person courses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra. Blended RePL preparation and Day 1 theory can be completed remotely, with local classroom and practical days at available training locations.
Ready to start your drone training?
Choose an upcoming RePL course, start the blended pathway, or talk to us about practical training for your team.
Theory gets you prepared; CASA-approved training, practical flying and assessment complete the licence pathway.