Drone Rego is almost here.

Mandatory drone registration and accreditation is coming soon to Australia. Before you sigh at the thought of more red tape and another fee – let’s consider some of the benefits it will bring, which may in fact outweigh the costs.

Less rule breakers

Drones are fast becoming an essential tool for many businesses (and toy for hobbyists) across Australia. Their popularity and affordability have given rise to a growing number of risk-taking, carefree users who don’t pay much attention to rules or public safety. Unlike manned aviation, flying a drone is not restricted to designated/approved airspace nor do you have to be a trained/licensed pilot to operate one – which introduces serious risks if not operated safely.

While strict RPAS regulations exist, and for good reason, they are difficult to enforce – especially when it comes to unidentified flying objects. By registering drones, the much-needed link between user and aircraft will help regulators to monitor and identify illegal activities more easily and hold nonconformers accountable. The mere concept of this exposure should (hopefully) make the daredevils think at least twice about flying within the prescribed limitations.

Better insights

The information provided as part of the registration process will also improve the availability of data for decision-makers, allowing regulators to better understand the nature of drone use across recreational and commercial applications, so they can focus their efforts on promoting safe operations rather than restricting them.

Improved Safety

Unless you hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), all drone pilots will also require accreditation to fly. This consists of watching an online video and successfully completing a short quiz to demonstrate their understanding of the drone safety rules. Accreditation will be free and will need to be renewed every 3 years.

According to CASA, drone registration and accreditation aims to ensure people understand the rules and are flying responsibly.

So how will it work?

Commercial Registration

All drones, regardless of type or weight, flown for commercial gain will need to be registered.

Registration required by: 28 January 2021 (opens 30 September 2020)
Registration cost: estimated $100 – $160 per drone per year

Excluded Category Operations Registration

All drones flying under the excluded category (drones weighing less than 2kg or flying over your own land) will need to be registered.

Registration required by: 28 January 2021 (opens 30 September 2020)
Registration cost: estimated $100 per drone per year

Recreational Registration

If you fly for fun, all drones weighing over 250g will soon need to be registered.

Registration required by: 30 May 2022 (opens March 2022)
Registration cost: estimated $20 per drone per year

Drones weighing 250g or less, or those only flown indoors, will not need to be registered.

Model aircraft only flown at CASA-approved model airfields will not need to be registered.

Accreditation

Before you can fly any drone, accreditation will be required, unless you hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

Consists of online video of drone safety rules with a short quiz
Accreditation will be free and will need to be renewed every 3 years.

Registration Requirements

Must be 16 years or older
Have a myCASA account and ARN (Aviation Reference Number)
Provide proof of identification
Provide drone details including Make, Model, Serial Number, Weight and Type

Registration is available through your myCASA account from 30 September 2020.

More information at https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/register

Disclaimer: Every effort is made to provide information that is accurate, however all information in this article is subject to our own interpretation of the material, and we take no responsibility for matters arising from changed circumstances or material which may affect the accuracy or currency of the information. Always consult CASA for clarification or confirmation.

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