Free Drone Courses in Australia
Start learning with free, self-paced drone training from a CASA-accredited provider. No sign-up. No cost. Just quality education to get you flying safely.
Free Courses Available Now
Three ways to start your drone education — all completely free.
Drone Awareness Course
A comprehensive, self-paced online course covering everything you need to know about flying a drone in Australia. Covers air law, airspace, meteorology, and safe flying practices.
Perfect for recreational pilots and beginners
Air Law Sample Lesson
Experience an interactive lesson from our Blended RePL Course. Learn about CASA regulations and drone air law, complete with quiz questions to test your knowledge.
Preview of the full Blended RePL Course
RePL Theory Library
Full RePL theory content covering aviation knowledge, meteorology, and radio operations. Study the complete CASA syllabus at your own pace.
Core theory from the CASA RePL syllabus
RePL Study Guide
Preparing for your licence? Use our free study guide alongside your training.
What You'll Learn
Our free courses cover the essential knowledge for safe drone operations in Australia.
Air Law & Regulations
Understand CASA rules, operating conditions, and the legal framework for flying drones in Australian airspace.
Airspace Classification
Learn about controlled and uncontrolled airspace, restricted areas, and where you can and cannot fly.
Meteorology Basics
How weather affects drone operations — wind, visibility, cloud cover, and conditions to avoid.
Safe Flying Practices
Pre-flight checks, visual line of sight rules, distance from people, and emergency procedures.
CASA Operating Conditions
The standard operating conditions every recreational drone pilot must follow — height limits, distances, and no-fly zones.
Quiz-Based Learning
Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes that reinforce key concepts and prepare you for real-world flying.
Why Learn with National Drones?
Australia's leading CASA-accredited drone training provider.
CASA Accredited
Officially accredited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority — the same provider used by organisations across Australia.
Industry Experts
Content created by commercial drone pilots with real-world experience in surveying, inspections, and agricultural operations.
Learn from Anywhere
100% online, self-paced courses you can complete from anywhere in Australia. Start and stop whenever it suits you.
Ready to Go Commercial?
Once you've mastered the basics, take the next step with a CASA Remote Pilot Licence.
Blended RePL Course
Prepare at your own pace, then complete three scheduled days of live online theory, local classroom theory, and practical flying and assessment.
$1,650 inc GST
RePL Licence (In-Person)
Intensive 5-day face-to-face training. Covers sub 7kg and sub 25kg multi-rotor operations with hands-on practical throughout.
$2,400 + GST
A RePL opens the door to commercial drone work across Australia — aerial surveying, infrastructure inspections, thermal imaging, agricultural spraying, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these drone courses really free?
- Yes — completely free with no hidden costs. The Drone Awareness Course and the Air Law sample lesson are available at no charge. No credit card or sign-up required to start learning.
- Do I need a licence to fly a drone recreationally in Australia?
- No. Recreational pilots flying drones under 2kg do not need a licence, but you must follow CASA's standard operating conditions — including flying below 120m, keeping the drone in visual line of sight, and staying at least 30m from people. Our free Drone Awareness Course covers all these rules.
- What is the difference between free and paid drone courses?
- Our free courses introduce air law, airspace, meteorology and safe flying. They do not issue a RePL. Our paid RePL courses include scheduled theory, practical flying and assessment. Some business flights qualify for CASA's excluded categories without a RePL; check the drone licence guide for the requirements that apply to you.
- Can I get a commercial drone licence after the free course?
- Yes, you can use the free material as preparation, then enrol in a RePL course. Free study alone does not issue a licence. The standard Blended RePL Course is $1,650 inc GST, with Brisbane intakes currently $1,250 inc GST. It combines self-paced preparation with three scheduled training days. The 5-day in-person RePL is $2,400 + GST. Both include AROC certification.
- Who are the free drone courses suitable for?
- Anyone interested in drones — hobbyists, professionals considering a career in drones, organisations exploring drone capabilities, or anyone who just bought a drone and wants to understand the rules before flying.
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.