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
Compare the 5-day in-person RePL with the blended training pathway.
Explore RePL Training
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 intakes across locations and book your scheduled training days.
View ScheduleView local RePL course details for Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth.
RePL Study Guide
Study the National Drones RePL theory guide online or download the draft study edition. Aviation review is ongoing, so check current CASA sources before operating.
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
13–14 October 2026
Perth — Perth metropolitan area — venue to be confirmed
20–21 October 2026
Brisbane — 38 Devlan St, Mansfield
10–11 November 2026
$1,250 inc GST
Do I Need a RePL Qualification?
A RePL is required for many commercial operations, but not every business flight. Eligible flights with drones weighing 2kg or less can use CASA's excluded category without a RePL or ReOC. Accreditation, registration and standard operating conditions still apply.
Your aircraft, operating area and flight plan determine the requirements. Read our drone licence guide before choosing a course. Free learning is useful preparation, but it does not issue a RePL or replace CASA requirements.
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?
- First check which CASA requirements apply to your aircraft and operation. Some business flights qualify for excluded categories without a RePL. Where a RePL is required, National Drones offers a 5-day in-person course ($2,400 + GST) or the standard Blended RePL Course ($1,650 inc GST), with Brisbane intakes currently $1,250 inc GST. The blended course includes self-paced preparation followed by live online theory, local classroom theory, and practical flying and assessment. Both RePL pathways include 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.