CASA Review of aviation safety regulation of remotely piloted aircraft systems

Few developments in the history of modern civil aviation have given rise to the number and complexity of challenges that have been generated by the emergence and proliferation of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).

The most pressing, pervasive and persistent of these issues involves matters of safety, and the rational management of the risks the expanding use of RPA pose for other airspace users and for people and property on the surface.

CASA’s findings are as follows: 

1. CASA supports mandatory RPA registration in Australia for RPAs weighing more than 250 grams.

2. CASA should develop a simple online course for recreational and excluded category RPA operators on safe RPA operations, followed by a quiz that has a minimum pass mark.

3. CASA’s education and training framework around the issue of a remote pilot licence should continue.

4. CASA should continue to support RPA manufacturers’ efforts to utilise geo-fencing technology to prevent RPA operations in areas where operations are not permitted, including at or near major airports and certain classes of restricted airspace.

5. CASA should participate where appropriate in international forums to stay abreast of global trends and participate in trials of the technology where feasible.

6. CASA should work with Airservices Australia to ensure the development of standard data on airspace.

7. CASA should develop a RPAS roadmap to articulate how to safely integrate RPAs into the Australian airspace system, including content on unmanned traffic management (UMT) systems.