Airspace for remote pilots — transcript

00:00:00.600 --> 00:00:05.041 Airspace for remote pilots. Where you can fly, and what to check before you do.

00:00:07.400 --> 00:00:10.600 All airspace over Australia is controlled or uncontrolled.

00:00:10.600 --> 00:00:14.560 Uncontrolled airspace is Class G, where pilots see and avoid each other.

00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:16.621 Most of your drone work happens here.

00:00:19.400 --> 00:00:21.844 Controlled airspace needs a clearance.

00:00:21.844 --> 00:00:26.669 A regional towered aerodrome has a Class D control zone from the surface up,

00:00:26.669 --> 00:00:29.927 with Class C steps above. Class E and A sit higher.

00:00:31.900 --> 00:00:35.071 Under each step, you're back in Class G. Below 400 feet,

00:00:35.071 --> 00:00:37.909 over 3 nautical miles from a controlled aerodrome,

00:00:37.909 --> 00:00:41.748 in line of sight and not over populous areas, no approval is needed.

00:00:45.400 --> 00:00:50.311 So before every flight, check the charts, the ERSA and the NOTAMs for your site.

00:00:52.400 --> 00:00:57.492 The standard operating conditions keep you 3 nautical miles, or 5.5 kilometres,

00:00:57.492 --> 00:01:01.056 from a controlled aerodrome's movement area. Inside it,

00:01:01.056 --> 00:01:04.939 or in its approach and departure paths, you need permission.

00:01:05.289 --> 00:01:07.954 Non-controlled aerodromes use a CTAF,

00:01:07.954 --> 00:01:11.600 a common frequency no air traffic service monitors.

00:01:11.600 --> 00:01:16.579 Aircraft broadcast by 10 nautical miles inbound, then fly the circuit.

00:01:16.579 --> 00:01:19.734 Keep a listening watch, and a sharp lookout.

00:01:20.084 --> 00:01:22.355 Not every aircraft has a radio. Keep watching,

00:01:22.355 --> 00:01:24.578 and be ready to land if there's any conflict.

00:01:27.584 --> 00:01:31.683 Quick check. 200 feet, 2 nautical miles from a towered aerodrome.

00:01:31.683 --> 00:01:34.167 Is that within the standard conditions?

00:01:34.984 --> 00:01:36.656 No. You need permission first.

00:01:38.084 --> 00:01:41.726 Some areas are prohibited, restricted or danger areas.

00:01:41.726 --> 00:01:46.492 Prohibited areas are always avoided. Restricted areas need a clearance.

00:01:46.492 --> 00:01:51.590 Danger areas can be transited, with a good lookout. Details are in the ERSA.

00:01:51.940 --> 00:01:55.391 NOTAMs carry information that may immediately affect safety.

00:01:55.391 --> 00:01:58.785 Each one tells you where, what, the lower and upper limits,

00:01:58.785 --> 00:02:00.482 and when it starts and stops.

00:02:02.940 --> 00:02:08.388 Location NOTAMs only cover 5 nautical miles around an aerodrome's reference point.

00:02:08.388 --> 00:02:13.049 Beyond that, check the FIR NOTAMs too. It's the step most pilots miss.

00:02:13.940 --> 00:02:19.125 So, where can your drone go? In Class G below 400 feet, you're green.

00:02:19.125 --> 00:02:23.939 Climb above 400 feet, enter a control zone or a restricted area,

00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:25.643 and you need approval.

00:02:27.940 --> 00:02:31.651 Those limits come from the standard operating conditions.

00:02:31.651 --> 00:02:36.833 Fly outside them and you need a remote pilot licence, an operator's certificate,

00:02:36.833 --> 00:02:38.049 and CASA approval.

00:02:38.940 --> 00:02:42.978 To recap: know the class, respect the 3 nautical mile zone,

00:02:42.978 --> 00:02:46.881 check PRD areas and every NOTAM, and stay below 400 feet.

00:02:48.940 --> 00:02:54.034 Last one. An active restricted area covers your site. What do you need?

00:02:54.940 --> 00:02:58.101 Permission from its controlling authority. Check before every flight.