1. RECORD-KEEPING 

More detailed records are required to be kept, and for a minimum period of seven years. Electronic records are allowed but only if they are unalterable after the record is made. Here is a summary of the record-keeping requirements: 

(a) Chief Remote Pilot Records 

• Records which demonstrate the CRP is regularly and consistently performing their duties such as  

• Record of qualifications held by RPs 

• Monitoring proficiency of RPs 
• Maintaining up to date reference library of operational documents 

• RPAS Operational Record– RPAS Operational Release and RPAS Operational Log (including JSA and Risk Assessment if applicable) for each operation: 

RPAS Operational Release – before commencing any RPA operation, the following info must be recorded and provided to the Remote Pilot, and approved by both RP and CRP: 

• • • Nature and purpose of operation 
    • RPA, including the type, model, and unique identification mark;  
    • the remote pilot station for the operation;  
    • the dates and times of the operation;  
    • description or coordinates of launch and recovery sites 

• • • the proposed and maximum height (AGL) permitted for the operation  
    • Full name and ARN of Remote Pilot in command 
    • Full names and descriptions of other assigned duties 
    • Whether the operation will be VLOS, EVLOS, BVLOS  
    • Inclusion of any instruments of approvals or instructions from CASA regarding the operation 

• • • Certification by the Maintenance Controller or approved delegate that the RPA is serviceable for the operation 

RPAS Operational Log – immediately following an RPA operation, the RP must record:  

• • • Nature and purpose of operation 
    • RPA, including the type, model, and unique identification mark;  

• • • the remote pilot station for the operation;  
    • the dates and times of the operation;  
    • description or coordinates of launch and recovery sites 
    • Full name and ARN of Remote Pilot in command 
    • Full names and descriptions of other assigned duties 

• • • If VLOS, EVLOS 1, EVLOS 2, or BVLOS during operation 
    • If BVLOS – the route flown including turning points locations 
    • details of flight segments and the heights (AGL) flown for each 
    • whether the RPA was serviceable after the final flight, nature of any unserviceabilities 
    • appropriate references to the operational release 

(b) RePL Training Course Records 

• Students full names 
• Dates course was delivered 
• Units covered 
• Outcomes for each student 
• CRP’s certification that the course complied with MOS requirements 

(c) Remote Pilot Log – each RP must keep a log to record accumulated flight time operating RPA and must contain: 

• Type, model and unique identification of RPA for each operation flown 
• Date, location and duration of each flight 
• Separate flight times for operations at night, VLOS, EVLOS, BVLOS, simulated 

(d) RPAS Technical Log – records in relation to the maintenance of the RPAS must be kept by the Maintenance Controller or approved delegate:  

• Type, model and unique identification mark of each RPA 
• Max and min gross weight for operations
• Total flight time  RPA has been operated 
• Maintenance Schedule (for RPAs with gross weight more than 2kg) 
• Maintenance carried out (for RPAs with gross weight more than 2kg) 
• Date or operational time for next maintenance action 
• Results of rectification of defective equipment essential to the safety of the operation (for RPAs with gross weight more than 2kg) 
• If fail-safe equipment fitted is unserviceable 
• Certification by MC or approved delegate that all maintenance required to be serviceable has been completed 

(e) Records of Qualification and Competency – records must be kept and provided to individuals who obtain a qualification or competency to perform duties other than a Remote Pilot in relation to the safe operation of an RPA (e.g. observer). 

2. REPL TRAINING COURSES 

The stricter training requirements for RePL Training Courses will ensure a better quality and consistency of programs between course providers, leading to better-trained RPAS operators in the field. Here is a  summary of these changes: 

(a) RePL Course Syllabus  

• Introduction of mandated knowledge units required to be taught 

(b) RePL theory examination 

• Closed-book examination 
• Pass mark increased to 85% 
• A student can attempt the examination 3 times before the Theory component has to be repeated   

(c) Ratio of Instructors to Students restricted 

• For the Theory component, 1 instructor to 10 students  
• For the Practical component, 1 instructor to 5 students (maximum 3 students flying at one time) 

(d) Minimum contact time between instructors and students  

• For the core Theory component, 15 hours 
• For each additional category being taught, 4 hours 

(e) Upgrading RePL 

• If upgrading to increased weight in same category held (e.g. MR <7kg  to <25kg): 
• no theory units are required (so long as their RePL was issued within last 3 years or they can prove operational experience in last 5 years) 
• If upgrading to a different category of RPA of the same weight (e.g. MR < 7kg to FW <7kg): 
• only 4 hours of additional theory units required for the relevant category of RPA (so long as their RePL was issued within last 3 years or they can prove operational experience in last 5 years) 

(f) Stricter Instructor qualifications 

• Instructors must have either Cert IV in Training, formal teacher qualifications or a pilot instructor rating or successful completion of a training program approved by CASA 
• Instructors must have minimum 20 hours operational experience (excluding training) in the category of RPA that is being taught