CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY
1.01 Name of instrument
(1) This instrument is the Part 101 (Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets) Manual of Standards 2019.
(2) This instrument may also be cited as the Part 101 MOS.
(3) In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears, references to “the MOS” or “this MOS” are references to the Part 101 MOS.
1.02 Commencement
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), this MOS commences on the day of registration.
(2) The provisions of this MOS, other than those mentioned in section 1.03 take effect on the day after registration.
(3) The provisions mentioned in section 1.03 take effect in accordance with section 1.03.
1.03 Provisions which take effect later than on commencement
A provision of this MOS mentioned in column 1 of an item in the following Table takes effect on the day mentioned in column 2 for the item.
| Item | This provision: (Column 1) | Takes effect on: (Column 2) |
| 1 | Chapter 2, other than paragraph 2.30 (2) (c) in Division 2.7 | 10 October 2020 |
| 1A | Paragraph 2.30 (2) (c) in Division 2.7 of Chapter 2 | 10 April 2024 |
| 2 | Chapter 4 | 10 April 2020 |
| 3 | Chapter 9, except Division 9.2 | 10 April 2020 |
| 4 | Chapter 10, except Divisions 10.1 and 10. 4 | 10 October 2020 |
Note 1 Each item in this Table sets out the date on which the corresponding relevant provisions of this MOS take effect.
Note 2 Chapters 1 and 5, Division 9.2 of Chapter 9, Divisions 10.1 and 10.4 of Chapter 10, and Chapter 11 took effect on 10 April 2019, the day after registration of this MOS. Chapters 3, 6, 7 and 8 are reserved. (Division 9.2 of Chapter 9 was repealed by the Part 101 Manual of Standards (Miscellaneous Revisions) Amendment Instrument 2022 (No. 2)).
1.04 Definitions
(1) In this MOS, words and phrases have the same meaning as in CASR, unless a contrary intention appears.
Note Some CASR definitions are included in subsection (2) for ease of reference.
(2) Without affecting subsection (1), in this MOS:
AA means Airservices Australia.
ADF means the Australian Defence Force.
aeronautical knowledge component: see paragraph 2.02 (1) (a) of this MOS.
aeronautical knowledge standards means the standards and requirements for the aeronautical knowledge component of a RePL training course.
Note See also section 2.02 of this MOS.
AGL means above ground or water level.
AIP ERSA means the Aeronautical Information Package, En Route Supplement Australia, as published by AA.
applicant means a person who applies for, or undergoes training for, a RePL.
approach or departure path, for a controlled aerodrome, has the meaning given in Chapter 4 of this MOS.
approved means approved in writing by CASA, unless a contrary intention is expressly stated.
approved educational institution means an educational institution approved by a State or Territory government for training to the Certificate IV level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
ARN means aviation reference number.
AROC means aeronautical radio operator certificate.
as safely possible, in relation to the landing of an RPA as soon as safely possible, refers to the safety of people, manned aircraft and property other than the RPA itself.
ATC means air traffic control.
automated operation, for an RPA, means the mode of operation in which, after take-off and until it lands, the RPA:
(a) either:
(i) flies a predetermined flight path programmed into the RPAS before take‑off; or
(ii) changes its flight path or configuration in flight solely because of dynamic updating of pre-programmed turning, way point data, or configuration settings; and
Note Dynamic updating involves electronically changing an RPA’s flight path without the manual operation of command and control levers or switches.
(b) is not subject to any manual operation.
AWIS means the aerodrome weather information service of the BOM.
BOM means the Bureau of Meteorology.
CAO means Civil Aviation Order.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
CASR Dictionary means the dictionary mentioned in regulation 1.4 of CASR.
category, for an RPA, means 1 of the following:
(a) the aeroplane category;
(b) the helicopter (multirotor class) category;
(c) the helicopter (single rotor class) category;
(d) the powered-lift category.
chief remote pilot has the same meaning as in subregulation 101.340 (1) of CASR.
civil aviation legislation has the meaning given in section 3 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
classification, for a model aircraft, refers to whether the model aircraft is (in an ascending scale):
(a) a model aircraft; or
(b) a giant model aircraft.
classification, for an RPA, refers to whether the RPA is (in an ascending scale):
(a) a micro RPA; or
(b) a very small RPA; or
(c) a small RPA; or
(d) a medium RPA.
Note Classification does not include a large RPA that is the result of a modification of another RPA because a large RPA would trigger the application of regulations 101.255 of CASR (requiring either a special certificate of airworthiness (restricted category), or an experimental certificate, issued under Subpart 21.H of Part 21 of CASR) and 101.275 (requiring CASA approval to operate).
controlled aerodrome has the same meaning as in Part 139 of CASR.
documented practices and procedures, for a certified RPA operator, means the written practices and procedures of the operator, as existing or in force from time to time, that, to the extent required by this MOS, have been approved in writing by CASA.
Note See also subsection 1.04 (3). An operator is required to have suitable documented practices and procedures. An operator’s initial documented practices and procedures must be approved by CASA. Thereafter, only significant changes to the documented practices and procedures must be approved by CASA. See subparagraphs (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) of the definition of significant change.
electronic identification, for an RPA or model aircraft, means the unique, identifying, electronic code that is transmitted or broadcast by the aircraft:
(a) automatically when in flight; or
(b) in response to transmissions from the ground-based electronic system used to control, program, prepare or monitor the aircraft for flight or in flight;
but does not include any code that is transmitted or broadcast exclusively for ATC purposes.
emergency and collision avoidance procedures means a certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures designed to ensure that an RPA in an RPA operation does not become a hazard to any aircraft, person or property during the operation.
employed means employed under a contract of service or a contract for services.
essential duties means tasks whose performance is essential to the safe operation of an RPA.
EVLOS means extended visual line of sight.
examiner, for a medium or large RPA, means 1 of the following:
(a) the chief remote pilot of a certified RPA operator who is qualified as a RePL training instructor;
(b) a RePL training instructor who is authorised by the chief remote pilot in accordance with the RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures;
provided that the chief remote pilot or authorised RePL training instructor:
(c) is identified in the operator’s documented practices and procedures as an examiner for a medium or large RPA (a relevant examiner); and
(d) has the length of experience in RPA operations stated in the operator’s documented practices and procedures as required to be a relevant examiner; and
(e) meets the other requirements stated in the operator’s documented practices and procedures as necessary to be a relevant examiner.
examiner, for a small or very small RPA, means 1 of the following:
(a) the chief remote pilot of a certified RPA operator who is qualified as a RePL training instructor;
(b) a RePL training instructor who is authorised by the chief remote pilot in accordance with the RPA’s documented practices and procedures;
provided that the chief remote pilot or authorised RePL training instructor:
(c) is identified in the operator’s documented practices and procedures as an examiner for a small or very small RPA (a relevant examiner); and
(d) has the length of experience in RPA operations stated in the operator’s documented practices and procedures as required to be a relevant examiner; and
flight time, for an RPA operation, means:
(a) for the flight of an RPA that is an aeroplane — the time from the moment the aeroplane begins to move under the control of the remote pilot in preparation for flight, until the moment the aeroplane comes to rest at the end of the flight; and
(b) for the flight of an RPA that is an aircraft in 1 of the following categories, namely, helicopter (multirotor class) category, helicopter (single rotor class) category, or RPA powered‑lift category — the time from the moment the aircraft’s rotor blades start turning under the control of the remote pilot in preparation for flight, until the moment the rotor blades stop turning after the aircraft comes to rest at the end of the flight; and
(c) for the flight of an airship — the time from the moment the airship is released from its mooring under the control of the remote pilot in preparation for flight, until the moment the airship is tethered at the end of the flight.
gross weight, for an RPA, means the total weight of the RPA at take-off, including fuel, equipment, payloads (if any) and anything attached to the RPA.
gross weight on take-off, in relation to a model aircraft, or an RPA that does not have a certificate of airworthiness, is the maximum weight of the aircraft on take-off and includes, to the extent permitted by the manufacturer or recorded in the RPAS technical log, the weight of:
(a) propulsion systems; and
(b) all equipment, payload and energy sources carried on the aircraft in flight.
helicopter, when used to describe an RPA of a type defined in regulation 101.022, means an RPA with 1 or more main rotors.
Note See also subsection 1.04 (4).
HLS or helicopter landing site means an area of land or water, or a defined area on a structure, intended to be used wholly or in part for the arrival, departure and surface movement of helicopters.
indoors operation means use of an RPA in circumstances which meet all of the following requirements:
(a) the RPA is flown within a building, or another structure, or a naturally occurring or man-made space underground (a containment area);
(b) the containment area is such that it is physically impossible for the RPA to escape and fly away during normal, abnormal or emergency operations;
(c) entry of people to, and exit of people from, the containment area is controlled in such a way that in flying an RPA in the containment area a remote pilot will not infringe any provision of Part 101 of CASR concerning proximity of an RPA to people within or outside the containment area;
(d) in the event that an RPA collides with any part of the containment area, no material from the RPA or the containment area can move or escape and cause injury to a person outside the containment area.
Note An example of a man-made space underground is a mine.
job safety assessment, for an operation of an RPA, other than excluded RPA, by a certified RPA operator, means a procedure undertaken in accordance with the RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures to:
(a) assess the safety of the operation; and
(b) identify safety risks arising from the operation; and
(c) formulate risk mitigation measures for the operation, including risk management plans.
maintenance controller has the same meaning as in paragraph 101.340 (1) (d) of CASR.
manual operation, for an RPA, means the use, by the remote pilot, of a manual mechanism that is part of the RPAS, in order to exercise control over the RPA, including by reconfiguring the RPA.
measurement point means any point on the actual or notional centreline of a runway between the 2 threshold centrepoints.
mode of operation means:
(a) manual mode; or
(b) the mode that is automated operation.
Note Manual mode requires prescribed training in both the manual mode and the automated operation mode, in accordance with this MOS. The applicable mode of operation for a flight is that specified in the provision of this MOS which refers to the mode of operation for the flight.
modification, for an aircraft, means that, as compared to the permit version, the aircraft is:
(a) altered in any way; or
(b) a duplicate of the permit version, whether or not it contains some things that were part of the permit version.
MOS means Manual of Standards.
movement area has the same meaning as in regulation 2 of CAR.
Note For ease of reference, movement area means that part of an aerodrome to be used for the surface movement of (manned) aircraft, including manoeuvring areas and aprons.
NAIPS means the National Aeronautical Information Processing System administered by AA.
nominated personnel means the following personnel of a certified RPA operator:
(a) the chief executive officer (the CEO);
(b) the chief remote pilot (the CRP);
(c) the maintenance controller.
non-controlled aerodrome means a place that is:
(a) a helicopter landing site not located at a controlled aerodrome; or
(b) an aerodrome that is not a controlled aerodrome.
Part 139 Manual of Standards means the Manual of Standards made under regulation 139.005 of CASR.
permit version, for an aircraft, means the version of the aircraft when it was first:
(a) registered under Division 47.C.2 of CASR; or
(b) granted a permission under section 13.01.
person, includes a certified RPA operator.
practical competency component: see paragraph 2.02 (1) (b) of this MOS.
practical competency standards means the standards and requirements for the practical competency component of a RePL training course.
Note See also section 2.02 of this MOS.
RAIM means receiver autonomous integrity monitoring, which is a technology developed to assess the integrity of GPS signals.
remote pilot means the holder of a remote pilot licence. However, in Schedule 5 a reference (however expressed) to a remote pilot demonstrating a behaviour is taken to be a reference to an applicant for a RePL.
Note See also the definition of RePL holder.
remote pilot in command, for an RPA operation, means the pilot designated by an RPA operator, in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures, as being in command of the RPA operation and charged with the safe conduct of the operation.
remote pilot licence has the same meaning as in Division 101.F.3 of CASR.
remote pilot log: see section 10.06 of this MOS.
remote pilot station means the place from which an RPA is operated by a RePL holder.
ReOC means remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate issued by CASA.
RePL means remote pilot licence.
RePL holder means the holder of a remote pilot licence.
RePL training course is the expression used in this MOS to denote an RPL training course as defined in the CASR Dictionary.
Note RPL training course means “training in the operation of RPA for the grant of a remote pilot licence that is conducted: (a) by a person who is certified under regulation 101.335 and whose operations include conducting training; and (b) in accordance with any standards or requirements prescribed by the Part 101 Manual of Standards”. The intention behind use of the RePL abbreviation is to avoid confusion with a recreational pilot licence which is also abbreviated elsewhere to “RPL”.
RePL training course instructor: see section 2.30 of this MOS.
RePL training organisation means a person certified as an RPA operator under regulation 101.335 of CASR whose operations include the conduct of a RePL training course.
RePL training organisation’s procedures means a RePL training organisation’s documented practices and procedures for paragraph 101.335 (1) (d) of CASR.
RePL training unit means a unit of aeronautical knowledge or a unit of practical competency for a RePL training course:
(a) prescribed in Schedules 2 and 3 of this MOS, for the purposes of the definition of RPL training course in Part 1 of the CASR Dictionary; and
(b) contained in Schedules 4 and 5 respectively.
RePL training unit content, for a RePL training unit, means the content for the RePL training unit:
(a) mentioned in column 2 of an item in an Appendix of Schedules 2 and 3; and
(b) described for the corresponding unit in Schedules 4 and 5, respectively.
RPA means a remotely piloted aircraft, other than a balloon or a kite, which may be identified by the following:
(a) category (for example, the aeroplane category);
(b) type, as defined in regulation 101.022;
(c) complexity (for example, automated, manual, liquid-fuel system).
RPA operator means a person who is certified as an RPA operator in accordance with regulation 101.335 of CASR.
Note Most provisions of this MOS are expressed to apply to RPA operators. However, some provisions are expressed to apply more broadly to a person. Reference to a person includes a certified RPA operator, unless the contrary intention appears.
RPAS means remote pilot aircraft system and has the same meaning as in the CASR Dictionary.
Note RPAS means a set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station (or stations), the required command and control links and any other system elements that may be required at any point during the operation of the aircraft.
RPAS operational log: see section 10.05 of this MOS.
RPAS operational release: see section 10.04 of this MOS.
RPAS technical log: see section 10.07 of this MOS.
RPIC means remote pilot in command.
Note Pilot in command is defined in the CASR Dictionary as the pilot designated by the operator of an aircraft as being in command and charged with the safe conduct of the flight.
RPL training course: see RePL training course.
runway has the same meaning as in the Part 139 Manual of Standards.
runway strip has the same meaning as in the Part 139 Manual of Standards.
runway threshold has the same meaning as in the Part 139 Manual of Standards.
significant change, for a certified RPA operator, means:
(a) a change to any of the following:
(i) the operator’s nominated personnel;
(ii) the formal reporting lines for any managerial or operational position that reports directly to any of the nominated personnel;
(iii) the qualifications and experience which the operator requires the nominated personnel to have;
(iv) the responsibilities assigned by the operator to the nominated personnel;
(v) the operator’s process for making changes to the documented practices and procedures;
(vi) the managerial or operational positions within the operator’s organisation;
(vii) the types of RPA being operated by the operator; and
(b) a change to any of the following that does not maintain or improve, or is not likely to maintain or improve, aviation safety:
(i) the documented practices and procedures for the conduct of RPA operations;
(ii) the training or checking conducted by the operator;
(iii) the documented practices and procedures for managing operational risk;
(iv) the documented practices and procedures for managing the risk of fatigue in the operator’s personnel;
(v) the documented practices and procedures for managing RPA maintenance; and
(c) any change in relation to the operator that will likely result in the reissue of the operator’s ReOC.
Note For example only, a change to the type or category of RPA listed on the operator’s ReOC, or a change to the kind of operations to be conducted (for example, to include RePL training), will require the ReOC to be reissued.
student has the same meaning as applicant.
test flight, for an RPA or model aircraft, means a flight of the aircraft solely to test all or any of the following to determine that they or it is in working order and in a condition for safe operation:
(a) the aircraft;
(b) the aircraft system;
(c) any equipment associated with the aircraft or the aircraft system.
tethered operation means use of an RPA in circumstances in which an RPA is flown while securely attached to a lead that:
(a) is no longer than 150 ft, unless a provision of this MOS provides for a longer lead; and
(b) makes it impossible for the RPA to escape and fly away during normal, abnormal or emergency operations.
theory component of a RePL training course means the aeronautical knowledge component of the course.
Note See also subsection 2.02 (1) of this MOS.
threshold, for a runway, means the beginning of that portion of the runway usable for landing.
Note This definition also applies to a runway that is a grass landing strip, whether or not the threshold is marked with markers.
threshold centrepoint, for a runway, means the point on the threshold of the runway at which the centreline of the runway intersects (or would intersect if there were a centreline) the threshold.
type, for an RPA, means an RPA of a type mentioned in an item in the Table in regulation 101.022, and that is of a particular category, size and complexity, where:
(a) category refers to whether the RPA is in the aeroplane category, the helicopter (multirotor class) category, the helicopter (single rotor class) category or the powered-lift category; and
(b) size refers to whether the RPA is of a particular size (for example, medium, large); and
(c) complexity refers to whether the RPA:
(i) is generally operated in automated mode, or manual mode, or has a liquid‑fuel system; and
(ii) is of a particular design and make, including of a design and make that:
(A) stems from a common basic design; and
(B) is essentially similar in different models.
unacceptable modification, for an aircraft, means a modification to the aircraft that, as compared with the aircraft when it was first registered under Division 47.C.2 of CASR, or first granted a permission under section 13.01 (as the case may be):
(a) changes the category of the aircraft; or
Note The categories for an RPA and model aircraft are as follows: aeroplane; helicopter (single rotor), helicopter (multi-rotor); powered lift and airship.
(b) changes upwards the classification of the aircraft; or
(c) increases the gross weight on take-off of the aircraft by more than 20%; or
(d) does not contain parts and components from the permit version that are critical to the flight of the aircraft; or
(e) fails to retain any of the following for the aircraft:
(i) the manufacturer’s serial number;
(ii) if there is no manufacturer’s serial number — the CASA serial number allocated in substitution for a manufacturer’s serial number when the aircraft was registered;
(iii) any electronic identification of the aircraft.
unit code, for a RePL training unit, means the unit code mentioned:
(a) in an item of Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 for the RePL training unit; and
(b) in the corresponding Appendix in Schedule 4 or 5.
VLOS means visual line of sight.
(3) The following requirements apply for a certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures:
(a) the RPA operator must provide documented practices and procedures, as required by a provision of this MOS, for the use and guidance of the operator’s remote pilots and other operations personnel (including trainees) (the operations personnel);
(b) the documented practices and procedures must contain such information, procedures and instructions with respect to the flight operations of all types of RPA operated by the RPA operator as are required or necessary under this MOS to ensure the safe conduct of the RPA operations;
(c) the documented practices and procedures must be amended from time to time, where necessary, as the result of changes in the operator’s operations, aircraft or equipment, or in the light of experience;
Note See also the definition of documented practices and procedures. An operator’s initial documented practices and procedures must be approved by CASA. Thereafter, only significant changes to the documented practices and procedures must be approved by CASA. See subparagraphs (b) (i), (iii), (iv) and (v) of the definition of significant change.
(d) a copy of the documented practices and procedures must:
(i) be given to the operator’s remote pilots; and
(ii) be given to each member of the operations personnel, as the RPA operator considers necessary; and
(iii) be given to CASA; and
(iv) be accessible for use by all operations personnel of the RPA operator who have not been given a copy;
(e) a copy of any approved amendments to the documented practices and procedures must be forwarded, or made accessible (as the case requires), to the persons mentioned in paragraph (d);
(f) the documented practices and procedures must contain a statement that the RPA operator requires each remote pilot and each member of the operations personnel to comply with the documented practices and procedures insofar as they relate to their duties or activities for the RPA operator.
(4) Under this MOS, a helicopter must be in 1 of the following categories:
(a) helicopter (single rotor class) category;
(b) helicopter (multirotor class) category.
1.05 References to documents
(1) In this MOS, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to a document that is applied, adopted or incorporated (however described) is a reference to the document as it exists from time to time.
(2) In this MOS, a reference to any legislative instrument is a reference to the instrument as in force from time to time.
1.06 Abbreviations
(1) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears, an acronym or abbreviation mentioned in Schedule 1 has the meaning given to it by Schedule 1.
(2) Unless a contrary intention appears, if an acronym or abbreviation used in this MOS is not given a meaning under Schedule 1, the acronym or abbreviation has the meaning that is given to it by:
(a) the Civil Aviation Act 1988 or the regulations; or
(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply — the prevalent usage, custom and practice of the unmanned aviation industry.
(3) To avoid doubt, in this MOS, neither a unit code nor an examination code is an acronym or abbreviation within the meaning of this section.
1.07 Tables, Figures and Notes
In this instrument:
(a) if a numbered Figure in the form of a drawing, diagram or similar representation is expressed as illustrating matters, it is guidance that is to be taken into account in interpreting the provision which refers to the Figure; and
(b) if a numbered Figure in the form of a drawing, diagram or similar representation is expressed as showing matters, it is to be read with, and may supplement, the information in the provision which refers to the Figure; and
(c) a Note provides information and does not contain standards unless the contrary intention is expressed in a provision for the Note.
Note Figures and Tables (other than those in Schedules) are not numbered sequentially. For ease of reference, they are numbered by reference to the section or subsection which first refers to the Figure or Table.
1.08 Table of Contents
The Table of Contents for this MOS:
(a) is not part of this MOS; and
(b) is for guidance only; and
(c) may be modified or edited in any published version of this MOS.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.1 General
2.01 Purpose
For paragraph (b) of the definition of RPL training course in the CASR Dictionary, this Chapter prescribes the standards and requirements for the conduct of training in the operation of RPA for the grant of a RePL.
Note 1 An RPL training course may only be conducted by a person who is certified under regulation 101.335 of CASR and whose operations include conducting training.
Note 2 The requirement to hold a RePL authorising a person to operate an RPA does not apply in relation to the operation of an excluded RPA: see subregulation 101.252 (1) of CASR.
2.02 Application
(1) The standards and requirements prescribed by this Chapter apply, in accordance with this Chapter, to:
(a) the theory component of a RePL training course, as mentioned in subparagraph 101.295 (2) (a) (iii) of CASR (the aeronautical knowledge component); and
(b) the component of a RePL training course for the manual or automated operation of a category of RPA that an applicant for a RePL proposes to operate, as mentioned in subparagraph 101.295 (2) (b) (i) of CASR (the practical competency component).
Note The more commonly used expressions aeronautical knowledge component and practical competency component are used in this MOS as provided for in subsection 2.02 (1).
(2) Training which does not comply with the standards and requirements prescribed by this Chapter is not training that is a RePL training course.
Note Generally speaking, eligibility for the grant of a RePL is dependent on: (1) passing the theory component of a RePL training course (that is, meeting the aeronautical knowledge standards): see subparagraph 101.295 (2) (a) (iii) of CASR; and (2) completing a RePL training course in the manual or automated operation of a category of RPA that the applicant proposes to operate (that is, satisfying the practical competency standards): see subparagraph 101.295 (2) (b) (i).
2.02A Transitional provisions for pre-18 October 2023 RePL training courses
(1) The amendments made to this MOS by Schedule 2 of the Part 101 Manual of Standards (Miscellaneous Revisions) Amendment Instrument 2023 (No. 1) (the Schedule 2 amendments) do not apply to a RePL training organisation for or in relation to a student who:
(a) commenced, but did not complete, a RePL training course with the organisation before 18 October 2023 (a relevant RePL training course); and
(b) completed the course on or after 18 October 2023 but before 4 February 2024.
Note The MOS as in force immediately before 18 October 2023, that is, before the Schedule 2 amendments commenced on that date, is, therefore, the applicable version of the MOS for this circumstance.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), for a student mentioned in subsection (1) who fails to complete the relevant RePL training course before 4 February 2024, the Schedule 2 amendments apply to the RePL training organisation for or in relation to the student on and from 4 February 2024.
(3) CASA may, in writing, approve a RePL training organisation’s bridging course to facilitate, for a student who failed to complete the relevant RePL training course before 4 February 2024, the student’s transition to and completion of the RePL training course that is in accordance with the Schedule 2 amendments.
(4) A student’s successful completion of a bridging course is deemed to be successful completion of the RePL training course.
(5) This section is repealed at the end of 3 March 2024.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.2 Aeronautical knowledge and practical competency standards
2.03 General English language proficiency standards under Part 61
(1) Without affecting any other provision of this Chapter, subject to subsection (4), a RePL training course may include, as part of the practical competency component, training and assessment in general English language proficiency in accordance with this section.
Note An applicant for a RePL must have general English language proficiency. A RePL training course may specifically include general English language proficiency training in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) of this section. Otherwise, RePL applicants must obtain their general English language proficiency by virtue of holding, or having held, a flight crew licence issued by CASA.
(2) The general English language proficiency standards and evidence for the training are as set out in Section 1: English Language Proficiency, GEL — General English language proficiency, in Schedule 2 of the Part 61 MOS, which is hereby incorporated into this MOS.
Note All of the requirements under GEL — General English language proficiency must be met. See the Table of Contents at the front of Schedule 2 of the Part 61 MOS to find unit code GEL.
(3) Despite subclause 5.1.1 of Section 1 of Schedule 2 of the Part 61 MOS, the assessment mentioned in subclause 5.1.1 must be made by an examiner.
(4) For this Chapter, an applicant is deemed to have been trained, and assessed as competent, in the practical competency component requirement for general English language proficiency mentioned in Appendix 1, Practical competency standards — Common units, in Schedule 3 of this MOS if the applicant:
(a) satisfies the standards and assessment of a RePL training course in accordance with subsections (2) and (3); or
(b) holds, or has held, a flight crew licence issued by CASA; or
(c) holds, or has held, a flight crew qualification granted by the ADF that CASA is satisfied is equivalent to a flight crew licence; or
(d) holds an overseas flight crew licence that:
(i) CASA is satisfied is equivalent to a flight crew licence; and
(ii) states that the applicant meets ICAO level 4, 5 or 6 aviation English language proficiency standards; or
(e) both:
(i) holds an overseas flight crew licence that CASA is satisfied is equivalent to a flight crew licence; and
(ii) has a current aviation English language proficiency assessment.
2.04 Aeronautical radio
Note CASA is developing guidance material for RePL training organisations which will include guidance on aerial radio operator certificates (AROCs) and General English Language Proficiency (GELP).
2.05 Aeronautical knowledge standards
(1) The aeronautical knowledge component of a RePL training course for a particular category of RPA must include training and assessment in the units of aeronautical knowledge from Schedule 4 that are prescribed in subsection (4) for the category.
Note Subsections (2) and (3) are directions to use Schedule 2 to find the applicable units of knowledge in Schedule 4.
(2) For a Table with the heading “Aeronautical knowledge standards” in an Appendix of Schedule 2, each unit of knowledge mentioned in a cell in column 2 of the Table (the unit of knowledge) has the unit code mentioned in the corresponding cell in column 1 (the unit code).
(3) The unit coded document containing the requirements of a unit of knowledge is the document in an Appendix of Schedule 4 which has the same unit code.
(4) A RePL training course for a category of RPA must require an applicant for an initial RePL to complete all of the matters, in all of the items, of the following units of knowledge:
(a) for any RPA category — the units in Appendix 1 of Schedule 4, Common units;
Note An initial RePL is one granted to a person who has not previously held any RePL. The Common units are not required when the RePL training course is for a RePL upgrade provided for in section 2.20, 2.21, 2.22, 2.23, 2.24 or 2.25.
(b) for an RPA that is in the aeroplane category — the units in Appendix 2 of Schedule 4;
(c) for an RPA that is in the helicopter (multirotor class) category — the units in Appendix 3 of Schedule 4;
(d) for an RPA that is in the helicopter (single rotor class) category — the units in Appendix 4 of Schedule 4;
(e) for an RPA that is in the powered-lift category — the units in Appendix 5 of Schedule 4;
(f) for any RPA in any RPA category, whether operated under a manual or an automated flight management system — unit 8 in Appendix 1A of Schedule 4;
(g) for any medium or large RPA in any RPA category, with a liquid-fuel system — the units in Appendix 6 of Schedule 4.
(5) To avoid any doubt, the requirements under the following:
(a) paragraph (4) (a);
(b) paragraphs (4) (f) and (g);
are in addition to any requirements expressed in paragraphs (4) (b) to (4) (e), as the case requires.
2.06 Practical competency standards
(1) The practical competency component of a RePL training course for a category of RPA (including with a liquid-fuel system or otherwise) must be for 1 of the following:
(a) the automated operation mode — for an applicant for a RePL for automated operation mode only;
(b) both the automated operation mode and the manual mode — for an applicant for a RePL for the manual operation mode.
(2) Without affecting anything else in this section, the practical competency component of a RePL training course for a particular medium or large RPA for which the applicant seeks the RePL must be conducted and assessed with respect to the particular medium or large RPA only.
(3) The practical competency component of a RePL training course for a particular category of RPA must include training and assessment in the units of practical competency from Schedule 5 that are prescribed in subsection (6) for the category.
Note Subsections (4) and (5) explain how to use Schedule 3 to find the applicable units of knowledge in Schedule 5.
(4) For a Table with the heading “Practical competency standards” in an Appendix of Schedule 3, each unit of competency mentioned in a cell in column 2 of the Table (the unit of practical competency) has the unit code mentioned in the corresponding cell in column 1 (the unit code).
(5) The unit coded document containing the requirements of a unit of practical competency is the document in an Appendix of Schedule 5 which has the same unit code.
(6) A RePL training course for a category of RPA must require an applicant for an initial RePL to complete the following units of practical competency:
(a) for any RPA category — the units in Appendix 1 of Schedule 5, Common units;
Note An initial RePL is one granted to a person who has not previously held any RePL. The Common units are not required when the RePL training course is for a RePL upgrade provided for in section 2.21, 2.22, 2.23, 2.24 or 2.25.
(b) for an RPA that is in the aeroplane category — the units in Appendix 2 of Schedule 5;
(c) for an RPA that is in the helicopter (multirotor class) category — the units in Appendix 3 of Schedule 5;
(d) for an RPA that is in the helicopter (single rotor class) category — the units in Appendix 4 of Schedule 5;
(e) for an RPA that is in the powered-lift category — the units in Appendix 5 of Schedule 5;
(f) for any medium or large RPA in any RPA category, with a liquid-fuel system — all of the units in Appendix 6 of Schedule 5.
(7) For an item mentioned in a Table of an Appendix of Schedule 5 (the practical competency units), the training and assessment of the subject matter mentioned in column 2 of the item must be within the tolerances mentioned in column 3 of the item, and across the range of variables mentioned in column 4 of the item.
(8) To avoid any doubt, the requirements under the following:
(a) paragraph (6) (a);
(b) paragraph (6) (f);
are in addition to any requirement expressed in paragraphs (6) (b) to (e), as the case requires.
2.06A Alternative practical competency standards for advancing technology in medium and large RPA only
(1) Despite section 2.06, a practical training course for a particular medium RPA or large RPA may be comprised of some or all of the following (the relevant practical competency units and standards):
(a) part only of the units of practical competency that would, but for this subsection, be required under subsection 2.06 (6) to be completed for the RPA;
(b) all or part of another set of units of practical competency, being units that would, but for this subsection, otherwise not be required to be completed;
(c) alternative practical competency standards, behaviours, and flight test standards, including where appropriate, tolerances and variables, approved by CASA that are specifically devised and applicable in relation to a medium RPA, or a large RPA, that has particular characteristics.
(2) However, subsection (1) does not apply unless, for the relevant practical competency units and standards, CASA approves that their completion:
(a) is necessary for establishing the competency of a person to hold a RePL for the RPA because unique, unusual, or other characteristics in the system design or other features of the RPA (the innovative RPA system design) make completion of the units of practical competency otherwise prescribed for the RPA under subsection 2.06 (6) impossible, impracticable or unreasonable to meet; and
Note For example, if a feature of the RPA otherwise required an applicant to repeat training previously successfully completed for an initial RePL, CASA may, subject to considerations of aviation safety, consider that such repetition would be unreasonable.
(b) will enable the person to achieve an acceptable level of competency for the operation of the RPA; and
(c) will not have any adverse effects on aviation safety.
(3) CASA may grant an approval under subsection (2):
(a) on written application by an approved RePL training organisation that:
(i) conducts a RePL training course; and
(ii) provides CASA with a detailed safety case; or
Note A safety case should include a description of the unique, unusual, or other characteristics in the system design or other features of the RPA which make completion of the units of practical competency otherwise prescribed for the RPA under subsection 2.06 (6) impossible or impracticable to meet. It should also describe any alternative practical competency standards, flight test standards , tolerances, or variables that the training organisation considers would substitute or compensate for the practical competency standards, flight test standards, tolerances, or variables prescribed in the MOS that cannot be met.
(b) on CASA’s own initiative.
Note For these CASA approvals, see Division 2.04A.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.3 Examinations — RePL training course theory component
2.07 Aeronautical knowledge examinations for a RePL training course
This Division is for subparagraph 101.295 (2) (a) (iii) of CASR and the definition of RPL training course in the CASR Dictionary, in relation to the issue of an initial RePL.
2.08 Aeronautical knowledge examinations for a RePL training course
(1) To pass the theory component of a RePL training course (the aeronautical knowledge component), an applicant must pass an examination (the aeronautical knowledge examination, or the examination).
(2) The examination must be a closed-book examination except for any documents concerning the RPAS:
(a) authored by CASA and published on its website; or
(b) authored by AA and published on its website.
Note The examination is one in which the candidate must not use any RePL training course document or material, separate from the examination text, to assist in answering examination questions. However, official, online CASA and AA documents may be used.
2.09 Examination pass mark, examiner and resits
(1) The pass mark for the examination is 85%.
(2) The examination must be assessed by:
(a) a RePL training instructor; or
(b) the chief remote pilot for the RePL training organisation.
(3) If an applicant does not pass the examination at the first attempt, or at a second attempt, or at a third attempt, the applicant must not make a fourth attempt to pass the examination unless:
(a) the applicant has repeated the aeronautical knowledge component of the RPL training course; and
(b) at least 14 days have elapsed since the third attempt.
2.10 Examination questions
(1) The examination must be a set of multiple-choice questions covering all of the aeronautical knowledge units in Schedule 4 that are for the relevant category of RPA, including for automated flight management systems and liquid-fuel systems if required (the relevant units), for which the applicant is applying for a RePL (the relevant RePL).
(1A) If the number of correctly answered questions that would be exactly 85% of the total number set would otherwise involve a decimal point, the number must be rounded upwards or downwards to the nearest whole number, as the case requires, to achieve 85% for the purposes of this MOS.
Note For example: to achieve a pass mark of 85%, the applicant must have at least 69 correct answers for an examination of 81 questions; at least 73 correct answers for an examination of 85 questions; at least 77 correct answers for an examination of 90 questions (despite the fact that 85% of 90 is 76.5) and so on.
(2) The examination questions must be compiled as follows, based on the items in the relevant units for the relevant RePL:
(a) for each Priority A item in the relevant units for the relevant RePL — there must be at least 2 questions;
(b) for each Priority B item in the relevant units for the relevant RePL — there must be at least 1 question;
(c) for every 2 Priority C items in the relevant units — there must be at least 1 question.
(3) The number of examination questions must be such as to ensure that the requirements of subsections (1) and (2) are met.
Note Depending on the relevant RePL sought a sufficient number of questions have to be formulated to ensure that the requirements of subsections (1) and (2) are met.
2.11 Examination duration
The examination must be a continuous examination that is to be completed within the period that is the sum of 15 minutes and the number of the set of questions as if that number were also minutes.
2.12 Examination question sets
(1) The examination must be 1 of at least 4 unique sets of questions used by the RePL training organisation and, subject to subsection (5), approved in writing by CASA.
(2) For subsection (1), each unique set of questions must:
(a) be comprised of multiple-choice questions in accordance with section 2.10; and
(b) be such that, while the same topics may be the subject of questions in some or all of the sets, no questions may appear in a set:
(i) in exactly the same form or presentation as in any other set; or
(ii) as requiring exactly the same answer, from exactly the same range of choices, as in any other set.
(3) Each set of the 4 unique sets of questions must have a unique identification code number.
(4) Examinations, each comprising one of the unique sets of questions, must be randomly rotated:
(a) for each RePL training course; and
(b) for each examination which an applicant is resitting.
(5) Despite subsection (1), a RePL training organisation may, without CASA approval, modify not more than 10% of the total number of multiple-choice questions in any unique set in any 12-month period, to make the questions more effective for the examination.
(6) CASA may, in writing, direct a RePL training organisation to modify any question, including a question modified by the organisation under subsection (5).
2.13 Examination results
Not later than 1 week after an examination, the RePL training organisation must inform each applicant in writing of their examination mark and whether or not they have passed the examination.
2.15 Examination security
(1) To deliver a RePL training course, a RePL training organisation must comply with this section.
(2) The RePL training organisation must ensure that the 4 unique sets of questions for examinations, and each examination question within a set:
(a) is subject to secure handling and custody procedures set out in the organisation’s documented practices and procedures (examination security procedures); and
(b) before and after an examination commences — is not disclosed to:
(i) any applicant sitting the examination; or
(ii) any person who has not undertaken in writing to comply with the examination security procedures; and
(c) immediately after the examination — cannot be physically retained or electronically recorded by the applicant; and
(d) subject to subsection (3), at all times after the examination — cannot be obtained by any person who has not undertaken in writing to comply with the examination security procedures.
(3) Paragraph (2) (d) does not apply in respect of a request for a copy of the examination or any question, made in writing by CASA.
(4) The RePL training organisation must ensure that each examination is conducted in accordance with subsection (5).
(5) For subsection (4), the conduct of the examination must:
(a) comply with the procedures set out in the organisation’s documented practices and procedures for the conduct of examinations (conduct of examination procedures); and
(b) prevent a student who is taking the examination from:
(i) using any means to answer a question that is not:
(A) in accordance with section 2.08; or
(B) approved in the conduct of examination procedures; or
Note See subsection 2.08 (2): apart from documents concerning the RPAS authored by CASA or AA and published on their website, the examination is not an open-book examination.
(ii) being coached or prompted by any person during the examination.
2.16 Post-examination knowledge deficiency reports (KDRs)
(1) This section applies if a candidate for an aeronautical knowledge examination passes the examination, but with a score of less than 100%.
Note The pass mark is 85%: see subsection 2.09 (1).
(2) The RePL training organisation must, as soon as practicable:
(a) inform the candidate of the items of the aeronautical knowledge units with respect to which the candidate answered examination questions incorrectly (the knowledge deficiency), with a view to the candidate remedying the knowledge deficiency; and
(b) prepare a written report (the knowledge deficiency report or KDR) confirming the knowledge deficiency; and
(c) give a copy of the KDR to the candidate.
Note The actual questions must not be provided to the candidate — see paragraph 2.15 (2) (b).
(3) Knowledge deficiency is remedied only if, after an oral examination:
(a) the student has satisfied either the RePL training course instructor or the chief remote pilot (the examiner) that the knowledge that was the subject of the KDR has been remedied; and
(b) this satisfaction has been recorded in writing by the examiner.
Note A person will not be issued with a RePL unless and until the knowledge deficiency is remedied: see section 2.29.
2.17 Documented practices and procedures for examinations, KDRs etc.
The RePL training organisation must set out in its documented practices and procedures, the procedures, including timeframes where relevant, to be followed to ensure compliance with this Division.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.4 Practical competencies — completion of RePL training course for manual or automated operation component
2.18 Assessment of practical competencies for a RePL training course
(1) This Division is for subparagraph 101.295 (2) (b) (i) of CASR and the definition of RPL training course in the CASR Dictionary, in relation to the issue of an initial RePL.
(2) Subject to sections 2.18A and 2.19AB, to complete the RePL training course component for the operation of a category of RPA (the practical competencies), the applicant must be assessed as competent in each of the units in Schedule 5 (the relevant practical competency units) that is:
(a) for the relevant RPA category (including with or without a liquid-fuel system, as the case requires); and
(b) conducted:
(i) for the automated operation mode; or
(ii) for both the automated operation mode and the manual mode;
as the case requires for the RePL that the applicant is applying for (the relevant RePL).
(3) To be assessed as competent, the applicant must:
(a) demonstrate to a RePL training instructor all of the behaviours mentioned in each item of the relevant practical competency unit; and
(b) satisfy the RePL training instructor that each of the behaviours referred to in paragraph (a) has been demonstrated within the relevant tolerances, and across the range of variables, (if any), mentioned for the item; and
(c) having satisfied the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), pass a RePL training course flight test in the relevant RPA, conducted in accordance with the RePL training organisation’s documented practices and procedures by an examiner.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), for subsection (3), a behaviour must be demonstrated:
(a) for the relevant RPA category and the relevant RePL; and
(b) across as many of the range of variables as the operating conditions reasonably permit.
(5) If a variable was not selected for demonstration because operating conditions made it impossible in practice to demonstrate the variable, the RePL training instructor must:
(a) require the applicant to provide:
(i) a satisfactory computerised simulation of the flight characteristics of the RPA under the variable, using a computerised simulation system that meets the standards and requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures; or
(ii) a detailed oral explanation of the variable, accompanied by indicative manual use of the RPA’s functional elements, or a description of such use; and
(b) certify in writing to the RePL training organisation, in accordance with the organisation’s documented practices and procedures, that:
(i) operating conditions made it impossible in practice to demonstrate the variable; and
(ii) for reasons stated in the certification, it would be unreasonable to require that the variable be demonstrated on another occasion.
(6) For paragraph (3) (b), a behaviour demonstrated outside a relevant tolerance may be considered to have been demonstrated within the tolerance if the RePL training instructor:
(a) is satisfied that:
(i) the only reason for failure to demonstrate the behaviour is the unavoidable impact of the relevant operating conditions; and
(ii) in the circumstances, the behaviour that was demonstrated was not so far outside the tolerance as to indicate a lack of competence in the relevant operating conditions; and
(b) certifies to the RePL training organisation, in accordance with the organisation’s documented practices and procedures, that paragraph (a) was the case.
(7) The training course flight test for the relevant RPA mentioned in paragraph (3) (c) must be in accordance with the flight test standards in Schedule 6.
2.18A Assessment of alternative practical competency standards for advancing technology in medium and large RPA
(1) Despite section 2.18, to complete the RePL training course component for the operation of an RPA to which section 2.06A applies, the applicant must be assessed as competent in the relevant practical competency units and standards.
(2) The assessment must be as follows:
(a) for the relevant RPA category (including with or without a liquid-fuel system, as the case requires);
(b) conducted:
(i) for the automated operation mode; or
(ii) for both the automated operation mode and the manual mode;
as the case requires for the RePL that the applicant is applying for (the relevant RePL).
(3) To be assessed as competent, the applicant must:
(a) demonstrate to a RePL training instructor all of the behaviours for the relevant practical competency units and standards, unless CASA approves in writing that the innovative RPA system design makes demonstration for a particular item impossible, impracticable or unreasonable; and
(b) satisfy the RePL training instructor that each of the behaviours referred to in paragraph (a) has been demonstrated within the relevant tolerances, and across the range of variables (if any), mentioned for the item, unless CASA approves in writing that the innovative RPA system design makes demonstration for a particular tolerance or variable impossible or impracticable; and
Note For example, if a feature of the RPA otherwise required an applicant to repeat training previously successfully completed for an initial RePL, CASA may, subject to considerations of aviation safety, consider that such repetition would be unreasonable.
(c) having satisfied the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b), pass a RePL training course flight test in the relevant RPA, conducted, in accordance with the documented practices and procedures of the RePL training organisation, by an examiner.
(4) For subsection (3), a behaviour must be demonstrated:
(a) for the relevant RPA category and the relevant RePL; and
(b) across as many of the range of variables as the operating conditions and innovative RPA system design reasonably permit.
(5) If a variable was not selected for demonstration because operating conditions made it impossible in practice to demonstrate the variable, the RePL training instructor must:
(a) require the applicant to provide:
(i) a satisfactory computerised simulation of the flight characteristics of the RPA under the variable, using a computerised simulation system that meets the standards and requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures; or
(ii) a detailed oral explanation of the variable, accompanied by indicative manual use of the RPA’s functional elements, or a description of such use; and
(b) certify in writing to the RePL training organisation, in accordance with the organisation’s documented practices and procedures, that:
(i) operating conditions made it impossible in practice to demonstrate the variable; and
(ii) for reasons stated in the certification, it would be unreasonable to require that the variable be demonstrated on another occasion.
(6) For paragraph (3) (b), a behaviour demonstrated outside a relevant tolerance may be considered to have been demonstrated within the tolerance if the RePL training instructor:
(a) is satisfied that:
(i) the only reason for failure to demonstrate the behaviour is the unavoidable impact of the relevant operating conditions; and
(ii) in the circumstances, the behaviour that was demonstrated was not so far outside the tolerance as to indicate a lack of competence in the relevant operating conditions; and
(b) certifies to the RePL training organisation, in accordance with the organisation’s documented practices and procedures, that paragraph (a) was the case.
(7) The training course flight test for the relevant RPA mentioned in paragraph (3) (c) must be in accordance with some or all of the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6 as CASA approves in writing, and any other relevant standards that CASA specifically approves for a medium RPA, or a large RPA, that has particular characteristics.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.4A Approvals for alternative practical competency standards and assessments — innovative RPA system designs for medium and large RPA
2.18B Approvals for innovative RPA system designs for medium and large RPA
(1) A CASA approval under subsection 2.06A (2) (including subsection 2.06A (2) as applied by section 2.19AB) must be in writing, and must identify the relevant practical competency units and standards that must be completed.
(2) An approval under paragraph 2.18A (3) (a) or (b) (including paragraph 2.18A (3) (a) or (b) as applied by section 2.19AB) must identify (as the case requires):
(a) each item of the relevant practical competency units that it is impossible or impracticable to demonstrate; and
(b) each tolerance or variable that it is impossible or impractical to demonstrate.
(3) An approval under subsection 2.18A (7) must identify any relevant flight test standards that it is impossible or impracticable to meet.
(4) An approval mentioned in this section may be expressed to apply in relation to a RePL training organisation, in respect of a particular RePL applicant, or a class of such applicants, for the medium RPA or large RPA for the operation of which the relevant applicant proposes to seek a RePL.
(5) Each approval mentioned in this section that is for a particular RePL training organisation, must:
(a) be contained in a single instrument for the organisation; and
(b) may only be granted if CASA considers that it will preserve an acceptable level of aviation safety.
Note A CASA decision to grant or refuse to grant an approval is subject to judicial review under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977. A decision to refuse to grant an approval is subject to merits review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal under section 31 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.5 RePL training course to upgrade a RePL
2.19AA Aeronautical knowledge examinations and assessment of practical competencies for a RePL training course to upgrade a RePL
This Division is for subparagraphs 101.295 (2) (a) (iii) and 101.295 (2) (b) (i) of CASR and the definition of RPL training course in the CASR Dictionary, in relation to the issue of an upgraded RePL.
2.19AB Approvals for upgrades for medium and large RPA with innovative RPA system designs
(1) Despite sections 2.22, 2.23, 2.24 and 2.25, section 2.06A applies, with appropriate changes, to a practical training course for an upgrade to a particular medium RPA or large RPA, in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) In paragraphs 2.06A (1) (a) and (2) (a), for the mention of “subsection 2.06 (6)”, read “Division 2.5”.
(3) Despite section 2.18, section 2.18A applies, with appropriate changes, to a practical training course for an upgrade to a particular medium RPA or large RPA in accordance with subsection (4).
(4) In subsection 2.18A (1), for each mention of “section 2.06A”, read “section 2.22, 2.23, 2.24 or 2.25, as affected by the application of section 2.06A,”.
Note The expression “with appropriate changes” is used as a plain English translation for the application of the legal interpretation concept embodied in the former legal phrase “mutatis mutandis”.
2.19 Meaning of relevant RPA
(1) In a section of this Chapter, reference to a relevant RPA means the particular type of RPA for which the applicant seeks an upgraded RePL.
(2) Without affecting anything else in this Division, for a particular type of medium or large RPA for which the applicant seeks the upgraded RePL, the following:
(a) the practical competency component of a RePL training course;
(b) the training course flight test;
must be for the particular type of medium or large RPA only.
2.20 RePL training course — upgrade a RePL for a small RPA whose gross weight is less than 7 kg to include another small RPA of the same category whose gross weight is 7 kg or more
(1) This section prescribes the standards and requirements for a RePL training course for the holder of a RePL:
(a) in a category of small RPA whose gross weight is less than 7 kg; and
(b) who applies to be a RePL holder for another small RPA in the same category whose gross weight is 7 kg or more(the relevant RPA).
Note There are no additional aeronautical knowledge requirements.
(2) If the holder is applying for the first time to be a RePL holder for an RPA with a liquid-fuel system, the relevant practical components of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training in, and demonstrate the practical competencies required for, the relevant RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 5.
(3) Without affecting subsection (2), the practical competency components of the RePL training course must require the applicant to pass the training course flight test for the relevant RPA, conducted by an examiner in accordance with the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6.
2.21 RePL training course — upgrade a RePL for a small RPA to include a different category of small RPA
(1) This section prescribes the standards and requirements for a RePL training course for the holder of a RePL in a category of small RPA who applies to be a RePL holder for a different category of small RPA (the relevant RPA).
Note CASA will issue a RePL with a condition that limits operations in a new category to RPA with a gross weight of less than 7 kg unless the practical component of the RePL training course is completed on an RPA in the relevant category that has a gross weight of more than 7 kg.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the aeronautical knowledge component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training, and pass an examination, in all of the units of knowledge that are required for the relevant RPA under Schedule 4, except the Common units.
(3) An applicant who holds 1 of the following:
(a) a flight crew licence;
(b) an overseas flight crew licence, or a flight crew qualification granted by the ADF, that CASA is satisfied is equivalent to a flight crew licence;
that is for a category of manned aircraft that is similar to the category of the relevant RPA, is taken to satisfy the aeronautical knowledge component of the training mentioned in subsection (2).
(4) For subsection (2), the examination must comply with the requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures dealing with the following for the examination:
(a) the content, including the variation and security of relevant questions;
(b) the pass mark, including procedures for knowledge deficiency reporting and re‑examination;
(c) notifications and certifications for applicants, and record keeping.
Note Examinations may be oral or written but must be supported by appropriate records in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures.
(5) The practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training, and be assessed as competent, in all of the units of practical competency that are required for the relevant RPA under Schedule 5 (including in the manual mode of operation if the case so requires), except the Common units.
(6) For subsection (5), the practical competency component of the RePL training course must also require the applicant to pass the training course flight test for the relevant RPA, conducted by an examiner in accordance with the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6.
2.22 RePL training course — upgrade a RePL for a small RPA to include a medium or large RPA of the same category
(1) This section prescribes the standards and requirements for a RePL training course for the holder of a RePL in a category of small RPA who applies to be a RePL holder for a medium or large RPA in the same category (the relevant RPA).
(2) If the holder is applying for the first time to be a RePL holder for an RPA with a liquid-fuel system, the relevant aeronautical knowledge and practical components of the RePL training course must require the applicant to:
(a) complete training in, and pass the examination for, the units of knowledge required for the relevant RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 4; and
(b) complete training in, and demonstrate the practical competencies required for, the relevant RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 5.
(3) Without affecting subsection (2), the RePL training course (including examination and assessment) must comply with the requirements in subsections (4) and (5).
(4) The examination must comply with the requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures dealing with the following for the examination:
(a) the content, including the variation and security of relevant questions;
(b) the pass mark, including procedures for knowledge deficiency reporting and re-examination;
(c) notifications and certifications for applicants, and record keeping.
(5) The relevant practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to pass the training course flight test for the relevant RPA, conducted by an examiner in accordance with the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6.
2.23 RePL training course — upgrade a RePL for a small RPA to include a medium or large RPA of a different category
(1) This section prescribes the standards and requirements for a RePL training course for the holder of a RePL in a category of small RPA who applies to be a RePL holder for a medium or large RPA in a different category, with or without a liquid‑fuel system, as the case requires (the relevant RPA).
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the aeronautical knowledge component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training, and pass an examination, in all of the units of knowledge that are required for the relevant RPA under Schedule 4, except the Common units.
(3) An applicant who holds 1 of the following:
(a) a flight crew licence;
(b) an overseas flight crew licence, or a flight crew qualification granted by the ADF, that CASA is satisfied is equivalent to a flight crew licence;
that is for a category of manned aircraft that is similar to the category of the relevant RPA, is taken to satisfy the aeronautical knowledge component of the training mentioned in subsection (2).
(4) For subsection (2), the examination must comply with the requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures dealing with the following for the examination:
(a) the content, including the variation and security of relevant questions;
(b) the pass mark, including procedures for knowledge deficiency reporting and re‑examination;
(c) notifications and certifications for applicants, and record keeping.
Note Examinations may be oral or written but must be supported by appropriate records in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures.
(5) The practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training, and be assessed as competent, in all of the units of practical competency that are required for the relevant RPA under Schedule 5 (including in the manual mode of operation if the case so requires), except the Common units.
(6) Without affecting subsection (5), if the holder is applying for the first time to be a RePL holder for RPA with liquid-fuel system, the relevant aeronautical knowledge and practical components of the RePL training course must require the applicant to:
(a) complete training in, and pass the examination for, the units of knowledge required for RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 4; and
(b) complete training in, and demonstrate the practical competencies required for, RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 5.
(7) The relevant practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to pass the training course flight test for the relevant RPA, conducted by an examiner in accordance with the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6.
2.24 RePL training course — upgrade a RePL for a medium or large RPA to include another medium or large RPA of the same category
(1) This section prescribes the standards and requirements for a RePL training course for the holder of a RePL in a category of medium or large RPA who applies to be a RePL holder for another medium or large RPA of the same category (the relevant RPA).
(2) If the holder is applying for the first time to be a RePL holder for RPA with liquid-fuel system, the relevant aeronautical knowledge and practical components of the RePL training course must require the applicant to:
(a) complete training in, and pass the examination for, the units of knowledge required for RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 4; and
(b) complete training in, and demonstrate the practical competencies required for, RPA with a liquid-fuel system under Schedule 5.
(3) Without affecting subsection (2), the RePL training course (including examination and assessment) must comply with the requirements in subsections (4) and (5).
(4) The examination must comply with the requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures dealing with the following for the examination:
(a) the content, including the variation and security of relevant questions;
(b) the pass mark, including procedures for knowledge deficiency reporting and re-examination;
(c) notifications and certifications for applicants, and record keeping.
(5) The relevant practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to pass the training course flight test for the relevant RPA, conducted by an examiner in accordance with the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6.
2.25 RePL training course — upgrade a RePL for a medium or large RPA to include another medium or large RPA of a different category
(1) This section prescribes the standards and requirements for a RePL training course for the holder of a RePL in a category of medium or large RPA who applies to be a RePL holder for medium or large RPA in a different category, with or without a liquid-fuel system (the relevant RPA).
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the aeronautical knowledge component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training, and pass an examination, in all of the units of knowledge that are required for the relevant RPA under Schedule 4, except the Common units.
Note The aeronautical knowledge component would include training and examination in a liquid-fuel system if the holder is applying for the first time to be a RePL holder for RPA with a liquid-fuel system.
(3) An applicant who holds 1 of the following:
(a) a flight crew licence;
(b) an overseas flight crew licence, or a flight crew qualification granted by the ADF, that CASA is satisfied is equivalent to a flight crew licence;
that is for a category of manned aircraft that is similar to the category of the relevant RPA, is taken to satisfy the aeronautical knowledge component of the training mentioned in subsection (2).
(4) For subsection (2), the examination must comply with the requirements set out in the operator’s documented practices and procedures dealing with the following for the examination:
(a) the content, including the variation and security of relevant questions;
(b) the pass mark, including procedures for knowledge deficiency reporting and re‑examination;
(c) notifications and certifications for applicants, and record keeping.
Note Examinations may be oral or written but must be supported by appropriate records in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures.
(5) The practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to complete training, and be assessed as competent, in all of the units of practical competency that are required for the relevant RPA under Schedule 5 (including in the manual mode of operation if the case so requires), except the Common units.
Note The practical competencies component would include training and demonstration of competence in a liquid-fuel system if the holder is applying for the first time to be a RePL holder for RPA with a liquid-fuel system.
(6) The relevant practical competency component of the RePL training course must require the applicant to pass the training course flight test for the relevant RPA, conducted by an examiner in accordance with the relevant flight test standards in Schedule 6.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.6 RePL training course — administration
2.26 Student class time
(1) Subject to subsection (2), to deliver the aeronautical knowledge component of a RePL training course for a category of RPA, a RePL training organisation must ensure that each student has not less than 15 hours of contact time with a RePL training instructor.
(2) For a student who is receiving the aeronautical knowledge component of a RePL training course simultaneously for 1 category of RPA and for 1 or more additional categories, the RePL training organisation must ensure that the student has not less than the following hours of contact time with a RePL training instructor:
(a) 15 hours; and
(b) 4 additional hours for each additional category.
(3) For subsections (1) and (2), contact time with a student for the aeronautical knowledge component of a RePL training course is accumulated through 1 or both of the following, namely, the instructor being:
(a) physically present, instructing and responding in a class room; or
(b) virtually present, online in real time, instructing and responding visually and with sound.
(4) The practical competency component of a RePL training course must be delivered by a RePL training instructor who is in the physical presence of the student being trained.
2.27 Student ratios
(1) To deliver a RePL training course, a RePL training organisation must ensure that the ratio of students to RePL training instructors is not greater than:
(a) for the theoretical component (aeronautical knowledge component) — 10 students to 1 instructor, unless CASA approves otherwise, in writing, in accordance with subsection (2); and
(b) for the practical component (practical competency component):
(i) subject to subparagraph (ii), 10 students to 1 instructor; and
(ii) for students each actually flying an RPA — 3 students to 1 instructor.
(2) For paragraph (a), CASA may approve otherwise only if CASA is satisfied, on application, that:
(a) the relevant instructor has the qualifications and experience to ensure the effective delivery of the theoretical component to a larger number of students; and
(b) the RePL training organisation’s structure and management is appropriate to support the instructor’s delivery of the component to the larger number of students.
2.28 Means of achieving or simulating the flight conditions
To deliver a RePL training course for any type of RPA, including with a liquid-fuel system as the case requires (the relevant RPA), a RePL training organisation must ensure that there is available to each student a means of achieving or simulating the flight conditions and variables:
(a) mentioned in each item of the practical competency units in Schedule 5 that are for the relevant RPA; and
(b) that cannot otherwise be reasonably demonstrated.
Note The applicant must accumulate sufficient practical flying experience on the relevant category of RPA, commensurate with the size of the RPA and the complexity of the RPAS, but, in any case, not less than 5 hours’ flight time under standard RPA operating conditions (in accordance with paragraph 101.295 (2) (c) of CASR). The amount of flying required for a category, size or complexity of RPA is to be as specified in the training organisation’s documented practices and procedures.
2.29 Certification of RePL training course completion
(1) An RPA training organisation must give each student who successfully completes a RePL training course a certificate of course completion which:
(a) identifies the RPA training organisation and the student; and
(b) identifies the RePL training course, and when it was completed by the student; and
(c) is signed and dated by the chief remote pilot of the organisation.
(2) An RPA training organisation must not give a student a certificate of course completion until the student has, for the relevant RPA:
(a) passed the aeronautical knowledge examination; and
(b) been assessed as competent in the relevant practical competency units; and
(c) passed the relevant flight test; and
(d) remedied any knowledge deficiency.
Note For knowledge deficiency, see section 2.16.
(3) A RePL training course, on the basis of which a person applies for a RePL, is not completed until the relevant RPA training organisation notifies CASA, in the form and manner approved in writing by CASA, that the certificate of course completion, has been issued.
Note CASA will not issue a RePL to an applicant unless CASA has received the notification.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.7 RePL training course instructors
2.30 Requirements for RePL training instructors
(1) A RePL training course for a type of RPA may only be conducted by a RePL training instructor who satisfies the requirements of this section.
(2) The RePL training instructor must comply with the following requirements:
(a) be employed by the RPA training organisation which is delivering the RePL training course;
(b) hold a RePL for the type of RPA for which they instruct;
Note Under regulation 202.455 and subregulation 202.461 (3) of CASR, if before 29 September 2016, a person was certified as a UAV controller, the certification has effect as if it were the grant of a RePL.
(c) have 1 or more of the following:
(i) a pilot instructor rating issued under Part 61 of CASR;
(ii) a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment issued by an approved educational institution;
(iii) a tertiary level qualification in teaching that is recognised as such by a State or Territory government.
(d) for delivery of the practical competency component of an RPL training course — have at least the number of hours of experience in the operation of unmanned aircraft required for the RePL training course under the RPA training organisation’s documented practices and procedures;
Note Unmanned aircraft include model aircraft but not rockets, fireworks or balloons. See regulation 101.005 of CASR.
(e) for delivery of the practical competency component of an RPL training course — have satisfied any currency and recency requirements for operation of the relevant RPA in accordance with the RePL training organisation’s documented practices and procedures;
(f) for delivery of the practical competency component of an RPL training course — have at least 20 hours of non-training operational experience in RPA operations, for an ReOC holder, in the same category of RPA as that for which the practical competencies are to be delivered.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.7A Requirements for RePL training instructor to act as an Examiner
2.30A Examiner requirements
(1) This section is for the following definitions in subsection 1.04 (2):
(a) examiner, for a medium or large RPA;
(b) examiner, for a small or very small RPA.
(2) Before an operator’s chief remote pilot authorises the operator’s RePL training instructor (an instructor) to be an examiner for a medium or large RPA, or a small or very small RPA, as the case may be, the chief remote pilot must be satisfied that the instructor meets each of the requirements prescribed for such an instructor in the relevant definition of an examiner.
CHAPTER 2 RePL TRAINING COURSE
Division 2.8 RePL flight tests — standards and repeats
2.31 Flight tests — competency standards
(1) A student enrolled with an RPA training organisation may attempt the flight test for a RePL at any time during the RePL training course, provided the attempt is in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(2) Subject to any variation expressly permitted by this section, the competency standards for a flight test for a RePL in an aircraft category are as set out in the Appendix in Schedule 6 that is for the licence in the relevant category (the relevant Appendix).
(2A) If the RePL mentioned in subsection (2) is the subject of a CASA approval under subsection 2.18B (3), the competency standards for the flight test may be those in the relevant Appendix as varied by the CASA approval made under subsection 2.18B (3) which identifies:
(a) any relevant flight test standards in the relevant Appendix that it is impossible or impracticable for the relevant medium RPA or large RPA to meet; and
(b) the flight test standards specified by CASA that are to be met.
(3) For subsection (1), the competency standards for a flight test mentioned in an Appendix in Schedule 6 comprise the following:
(a) the flight test requirements mentioned in the Appendix for the test;
(b) the knowledge requirements mentioned in the Appendix for the test;
(c) the practical flight standards mentioned in the Appendix for the test.
Note For paragraph (c), the aircraft category for a licence is identified in the title of the relevant Appendix in Schedule 6.
(3A) Subsection (3) applies subject to the effect of any CASA approval under subsection (2A).
(4) For a flight test, the knowledge required of a person is a satisfactory level of knowledge of the items in clause 2 of the relevant Appendix.
Note The knowledge is tested through a series of oral questions and answers before the flight test begins. The examiner may ask as many questions relevant to the items in clause 2 as the examiner considers appropriate and necessary to determine whether the candidate has the required level of knowledge of the items.
(5) For subsection (4), specific questioning for every item of the relevant knowledge requirements is not required, provided the examiner is satisfied, from the answers to the questions that are asked, that the candidate has a satisfactory knowledge of the items about which questions are not asked.
Note The examiner should consider the candidate’s aeronautical knowledge examination results to determine which questions would be appropriate to ensure that the candidate has a full range of relevant knowledge.
(6) For a flight test, the practical competency required of a person is:
that for each unit of competency mentioned in column 3 of an item of the Table in clause 3 of the relevant Appendix in Schedule 6, the person has the ability to perform each Item/manoeuvre mentioned in column 4 of the item, subject to the applicable accuracy and tolerance mentioned in column 5 of the item.
Note Item numbers appear in column 1; unit codes for each unit of competency appear in column 2.
(6A) Subsection (6) applies subject to the effect of any CASA approval under subsection (2A).
(7) To determine if a candidate has passed the flight test, the examiner conducting the flight test must be satisfied that the candidate has demonstrated:
(a) the knowledge required under subsection (4); and
(b) the competency required under subsection (6), or subsection (6) as affected by the effect of any CASA approval under subsection (2A).
(9) If an applicant fails a flight test mentioned in this Chapter, the applicant may repeat the flight test but only after completing such additional training as is specified in writing by the examiner.
(10) For subsection (9), the specified additional training must be based on such of the practical competencies mentioned in subsection 2.18 (2), or that subsection as affected by the effect of any CASA approval under subsection (2A), as are relevant to any deficiency which resulted in the applicant failing the flight test.
(11) If subsection (9) applies to an applicant, copies of the written specification must be kept with the records referred to in section 10.03A.
CHAPTER 3 RESERVED
CHAPTER 4 OPERATIONS IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE — CONTROLLED AERODROMES
4.01 Purpose
For subsection 101.072 (1) of CASR, this Chapter prescribes the requirements relating to the operation in controlled airspace, below 400 ft, of an unmanned aircraft.
Note Any operation above 400 ft within 3 NM of an aerodrome, would be subject to the restrictions and permission requirements under regulations 101.070 and 101.075.
4.02 Definitions
In this Chapter:
area that is crosshatched has the same meaning as in section 4.05.
area that is shaded black has the same meaning as in section 4.05.
area that is shaded grey has the same meaning as in section 4.05.
defined unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft operated in accordance with:
(a) an approval of an approved area under regulation 101.030 of CASR; or
(b) a permission mentioned in regulation 101.075 that permits operation of the aircraft within the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome.
no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome means any areas and airspace that are below 400 ft and:
(a) within 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of a controlled aerodrome; or
(b) within the approach and departure paths referred to in section 4.05, whether or not they extend beyond 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the controlled aerodrome.
RPA, for the purposes of this Chapter, means an RPA that is not a defined unmanned aircraft.
4.03 RPA flight in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome
(1) Subject to this section, a person must not:
(a) conduct RPA operations; or
(b) fly an RPA;
in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome.
(2) A person who is:
(a) a certified RPA operator: or
(b) the remote pilot of a certified RPA operator;
may conduct, or fly as the remote pilot in, an RPA operation in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome if the operation is a tethered operation in accordance with section 4.04.
(3) A person may fly an RPA in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome if the flight is exclusively an indoors operation.
(4) A person may fly a micro RPA in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome if the aircraft does not enter an approach and departure path described in paragraph (b) of the definition of no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome.
(5) A person must not fly a model aircraft that has a gross weight of more than 250 g in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome.
(6) A person may fly a model aircraft that has a gross weight of no more than 250 g in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome if the aircraft does not enter an approach and departure path described in paragraph (b) of the definition of no‑fly zone of a controlled aerodrome.
(7) A person may fly a defined unmanned aircraft in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome.
4.04 Approval to operate an RPA in a no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome — tethered and indoors operations
(1) A certified RPA operator is approved to conduct an RPA operation in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome if the requirements of this section are complied with.
Note A certified RPA operator means a person who is certified as a certified RPA operator in accordance with regulation 101.335 of CASR. See the definitions in subsection 1.04 (2) of this MOS.
(2) The requirements are that the RPA may only be operated in:
(a) an indoors operation; or
(b) a tethered operation in accordance with subsection (3).
(3) For a tethered operation in the no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome, the certified RPA operator must:
(a) use a tether that is no longer than 150 ft; and
(b) ensure that the RPA is not operated higher than 150 ft above the aerodrome elevation; and
Note The aerodrome elevation can be determined from the aerodrome obstacle limitation data (OLS data).
(c) conduct the tethered operation in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures for operations under this Chapter; and
(d) notify ATC before the RPA takes off; and
(e) ensure that the RPA is flown in accordance with any instructions issued by ATC; and
(f) ensure that:
(i) the RPA is flown within the area that is shaded grey for the controlled aerodrome; or
(ii) if the RPA is flown within the area that is shaded black for the controlled aerodrome, the RPA is not flown within 3 NM from the measurement point of any runway of the controlled aerodrome.
Note The designation of controlled aerodromes and controlled airspace is made in the Determination of airspace and controlled aerodromes etc., as in force from time to time. This is a legislative instrument revised and reissued by CASA approximately every 6 months. Controlled aerodrome information in the Determination in force at any particular time is also published by Airservices Australia in the Designated Airspace Handbook.
4.05 Approach and departure paths — controlled aerodromes
(1) Figure 4.05 (1)-1 shows the approach and departure paths of a controlled aerodrome.
Note Figure 4.05 (1)-2 illustrates 1 example of a multi-runway scenario to which the requirements in this Chapter apply in the same way as for a single runway. Application of the requirements does not affect the black-shaded areas but produces overlapping grey-shaded areas, and what would otherwise be a grey-shaded area becomes a black-shaded area because of the intersection of the runways.
(2) As shown in Figure 4.05 (1)-1, the approach and departure path is up to 400 ft, as follows:
(a) anywhere on or from the ground upwards in the area that is the runway or the runway strip;
(b) anywhere in the following areas which are the approach and departure paths for the controlled aerodrome:
(i) subject to subparagraph (ii) — on or from the ground upwards in the area that is shaded black to a distance of 7 km from the end of the runway strip;
(ii) anywhere from 300 ft (90 m) above the ground (referenced to the aerodrome elevation) in the area that is between 7 km and 8.5 km from the end of the runway strip (the area that is crosshatched);
(c) anywhere from 150 ft (45 m) above the ground (referenced to the aerodrome elevation) in the area that is shaded grey.
(3) The area that is shaded black, which shows the approach and departure paths and the ground below them, is described as comprising the following:
(a) a symmetrical trapezoids with the shorter side coincident with the ends of a nominal 100 m wide runway strip and extending out at an angle of 15 degrees on either side to a distance of 8.5 km;
(b) a rectangle extending 500 m on either side of the runway centreline and overlying the runway strip until it intersects the trapezoids of the approach and departure paths.
(4) The area that is shaded grey is an area that extends 3 NM in all directions from the measurement point.
Figure 4.05 (1)-1 Controlled aerodromes approach and departure paths (shows matters, but shape only illustrates matters)
Figure 4.05 (1)-2: Intersecting runways (illustrates matters)
CHAPTER 5 RPA OPERATIONS BEYOND VLOS
5.01 Application
(1) This Chapter applies only for RPA operations of a certified RPA operator.
(2) Only a certified RPA operator may be granted an approval under paragraph 101.029 (2) (b) of CASR:
(a) for subparagraph 101.300 (4) (b) (i) — to operate an unmanned aircraft beyond the operator’s visual line of sight; or
(b) for subparagraph 101.300 (4) (b) (ii) — for a RePL holder who is a member of the operator’s personnel to operate an unmanned aircraft beyond the RePL holder’s visual line of sight.
Note An approval would be granted to the certified RPA operator only if the requirements of Chapter 5 are met — see paragraph 101.029 (2) (b) of CASR.
(3) Only a RePL holder:
(a) who is a certified RPA operator holding an approval for paragraph (2) (a); or
(b) who is a member of the personnel of a certified RPA operator holding an approval for paragraph (2) (b);
may be granted an approval under paragraph 101.029 (2) (b) of CASR for subregulation 101.073 (2) to operate an unmanned aircraft beyond the RePL holder’s visual line of sight.
Note An approval for a RePL holder would only be granted in association with the grant of a relevant approval for a certified RPA operator.
5.02 Requirements for RPA operations do not apply in certain approved areas
(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Chapter applies to any area that is an area approved by CASA for regulation 101.030 of CASR.
(2) This Chapter does not apply to an EVLOS operation if the area approval permits an EVLOS operation that is in accordance with alternative requirements specified in the approval.
5.03 Requirements for an approval to operate an RPA beyond VLOS
(1) For paragraph 101.073 (2) (a) of CASR, this Chapter prescribes the requirements for the grant of an approval by CASA under paragraph 101.029 (2) (b) of CASR (an approval), for a person to operate an RPA, other than a large RPA, beyond the person’s VLOS.
Note See also paragraph 101.300 (4) (b) of CASR.
(2) In this Chapter, the approval mentioned in subsection (1) is referred to as:
(a) an EVLOS operation approval; or
(b) an EVLOS operation class 1 approval; or
(c) an EVLOS operation class 2 approval.
(3) For the grant of an approval, the Certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures must:
(a) provide for the matters mentioned in this Chapter; and
(b) be in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter; and
(c) ensure that RPA operations are conducted in accordance with the approval.
5.04 Definitions for this Chapter
In this Chapter:
EVLOS means extended visual line of sight.
EVLOS operation class 1 means an RPA operation that is beyond VLOS, and in which:
(a) at least 1 trained visual observer class 1 (the observer) is used; and
(b) the location of the RPA, and the ground beneath and the airspace surrounding, the RPA, is:
(i) located within VLOS for each relevant observer throughout the operation; or
(ii) beyond VLOS but with the relevant observer knowing the exact location of the RPA; and
(c) the observer is in the same location as the remote pilot; and
(d) an FPV system may be used, but not as a substitute for any observer; and
(e) the observer’s duty is to:
(i) either:
(A) keep the RPA constantly within VLOS; or
(B) know the exact location of the RPA; and
(ii) maintain constant situational awareness of the airspace surrounding, and the ground below, the RPA; and
(iii) remain in continual, direct, verbal communication with the remote pilot without the use of any device; and
(iv) do the following:
(A) advise the remote pilot if the RPA is likely to become a hazard to any other aircraft, or any person or property;
(B) direct the remote pilot on the action required to ensure that the RPA does not become a hazard to another aircraft, person or property;
(C) immediately direct the safe termination of the operation if:
(I) the exact location of the RPA is lost to the relevant observer’s direct sight or knowledge; or
(II) the RPA becomes a hazard to another aircraft, person or property and termination of the operation is the only safe course of action.
Note 1 A flight may be ended by means of controlled flight into terrain, if this is possible without creating a hazard to other aircraft, people or property, and all other options are exhausted.
Note 2 An EVLOS operation extends the distance of operation of an RPA. However, by virtue of the definition, the remote pilot, while operating the RPA using FPV, cannot be the observer for an EVLOS class 1 operation.
EVLOS operation class 2 means an RPA operation that is beyond VLOS in which:
(a) at least 1 trained visual observer class 2 (the observer) is used; and
(b) the RPA, and the ground beneath and the airspace surrounding the RPA, is:
(i) located within VLOS for each relevant observer throughout the operation; or
(ii) beyond VLOS but with the relevant observer knowing the exact location of the RPA; and
(c) the observer is in a different location from the remote pilot; and
(d) an FPV system may be used, but not as a substitute for any observer; and
(e) the observer’s duty is to:
(i) either:
(A) keep the RPA constantly within VLOS; or
(B) know the exact location of the RPA; and
(ii) maintain constant situational awareness of the air space surrounding, and the ground below, the RPA operation; and
(iii) remain in continual direct, verbal communication with the remote pilot using an effective communication system; and
Note The system must use reliable modern technology that enables effective spoken communication.
(iv) do the following:
(A) advise the remote pilot if the RPA is likely to become a hazard to any other aircraft, or any person or property;
(B) direct the remote pilot on the action required to ensure that the RPA operation does not become a hazard to another aircraft, person or property;
(C) immediately direct the safe termination of the operation if:
(I) the exact location of the RPA is lost to the relevant observer’s direct sight or knowledge; or
(II) the RPA becomes a hazard to another aircraft, person or property and termination of the operation is the only safe course of action.
Note 1 A flight may be ended by means of controlled flight into terrain, if this is possible without creating a hazard to other aircraft, people or property, and all other options are exhausted.
Note 2 An EVLOS operation extends the distance of operation of an RPA. By virtue of the definition, the remote pilot may be the initial EVLOS class 2 observer provided that the remote pilot is not simultaneously using an FPV system.
EVLOS operation means:
(a) an EVLOS operation class 1; or
(b) an EVLOS operation class 2.
first person view system is a system that:
(a) uses a camera on an RPA to produce a video display of the flight as it would be seen if a pilot were notionally on board the RPA in order to assist the remote pilot to navigate, orient, and avoid obstacles to the RPA; and
(b) is sufficiently powerful, sensitive and robust to remain effective for the duration of the EVLOS operation; and
(c) is approved by CASA for the EVLOS operation.
Note Use of an FPV may assist a remote pilot but its use cannot transform the remote pilot into an observer for an EVLOS operation. A remote pilot cannot simultaneously use an FPV and be an observer.
FPV system means first person view system.
observer means:
(a) a trained visual observer class 1; or
(b) a trained visual observer class 2.
trained visual observer class 1 means a person who has been:
(a) trained by a certified RPA operator, in accordance with the requirements in its documented practices and procedures, to observe and communicate about an RPA in an EVLOS operation class 1; and
(b) certified by the RPA operator to have successfully completed the training in accordance with the documented practices and procedures.
trained visual observer class 2 means a person who has been:
(a) trained by a certified RPA operator, in accordance with the requirements in its documented practices and procedures, to observe, and communicate about, an RPA in an EVLOS operation class 1 or class 2; and
(b) certified by the RPA operator to have successfully completed the training in accordance with the documented practices and procedures.
VLOS means visual line of sight.
5.05 Documented practices and procedures for EVLOS operations
For an EVLOS operation approval, a certified RPA operator must have documented practices and procedures containing the following:
(a) for each matter, activity or requirement mentioned in this Chapter — procedures and requirements that comply with this Chapter;
(b) the operator’s statement to its remote pilots and observers that the procedures and requirements for relevant operations must be complied with.
Note See also the definition of documented practices and procedures in subsection 1.04 (2) which requires documented practices and procedures to be approved by CASA.
5.06 Remote pilots for EVLOS operations
Before conducting an EVLOS operation, the remote pilot:
(a) must have completed, in addition to the 5 hours’ experience required under paragraph 101.295 (2) (c) of CASR, at least the number of hours of flight time, as relevantly specified in the operator’s documented practices and procedures, operating in VLOS operations an RPA of the same type as the RPA that is to be used in the EVLOS operation; and
(b) must have been trained and certified by the RPA operator, in accordance with its documented practices and procedures, as competent to carry out the particular EVLOS operation; and
(c) must have successfully completed a proficiency check that was:
(i) conducted by:
(A) the chief remote pilot of the certified RPA operator; or
(B) a RePL holder of the certified RPA operator who is:
(I) is authorised under the operator’s ReOC to conduct the relevant proficiency check; and
(II) approved in writing for the purpose by the operator’s chief remote pilot; or
(C) CASA; and
(ii) undertaken not more than:
(A) 12 months before the EVLOS operation; or
(B) 24 months before the EVLOS operation, provided the remote pilot has completed at least 3 EVLOS flights in each of the 12-month periods before the EVLOS operation; and
(iii) carried out in accordance with the relevant certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures for proficiency checks under this section.
Note Under subregulation 101.300 (4), a RePL is subject to the condition that an RPA must be operated within VLOS unless the licence holder has met certain requirements set out in that subregulation.
5.07 Observers for EVLOS operations
(1) An EVLOS operation class 1 may only be conducted using a trained visual observer class 1 or class 2, certified by the RPA operator as competent to carry out the particular EVLOS operation in accordance with the documented practices and procedures.
(2) An EVLOS operation class 2 may only be conducted using a trained visual observer class 2, certified by the RPA operator as competent to carry out the particular EVLOS operation in accordance with the documented practices and procedures.
(3) An observer for subsection (1) or (2) must have no duties during the operation of an RPA, other than those mentioned in paragraph (e) of the definition of EVLOS operation class 1 or EVLOS operation class 2, as the case requires.
(4) An observer for subsection (1) or (2) must not be required to observe more than 1 RPA for more than 1 remote pilot in any EVLOS operation unless the operation is:
(a) approved in writing by CASA; and
(b) operated in accordance with any conditions of the approval.
(5) An observer for subsection (1) or (2) may use a device, for example, binoculars or a telescope, to assist in carrying out their duties, but must not use the device as the primary means of keeping the surrounding airspace and ground in sight.
(6) For subsection (4), the duties mentioned in paragraph (e) of the definition of EVLOS operation class 1 or EVLOS operation class 2 are to be read as also referring to more than 1 RPA or more than 1 remote pilot, as the case requires.
5.08 Handover procedures between 1 remote pilot and another remote pilot for EVLOS operations
(1) Control of an RPA must not be transferred (handed over) from the remote pilot (the handing-over remote pilot) to another person (the new remote pilot) unless:
(a) the other person is also a remote pilot who complies with section 5.06; and
(b) the handover is in accordance with the certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures.
(2) After a handover occurs, the new remote pilot is:
(a) the remote pilot of the RPA; and
(b) responsible and accountable for ensuring that the EVLOS operation complies with all requirements of the relevant civil aviation legislation as if the operation were first commencing from the time, date and location at which the new remote pilot assumes control of the RPA.
5.09 Pre-flight briefing for an EVLOS operation
The certified RPA operator must ensure that each remote pilot and each observer who is to be involved in an EVLOS operation is briefed, before the operation commences, on the emergency and collision avoidance procedures relevant to the operation.
5.10 Communications in an EVLOS operation class 2
For an EVLOS operation class 2, the communication system (the primary communication system) used by the remote pilot and each observer must be supported by an alternative or backup communication system (the secondary communication system) that can be immediately activated if the primary communication system fails.
5.11 Control and communication links must be maintained in an EVLOS operation
(1) In an EVLOS operation, an RPA may only be flown:
(a) while the control link performance from the remote pilot station to the RPA is reliably and consistently maintained; and
(b) while the communication link between the remote pilot and a relevant observer is maintained; and
(c) at a distance from the relevant observer that is the lesser of the following:
(i) 1 500 m;
(ii) the distance at which the relevant observer is able to perform all of their duties.
Note 1 The duties of a relevant observer are set out in paragraph (e) of the definition of EVLOS operation class 1, or paragraph (e) of the definition of EVLOS operation class 2, as applicable.
Note 2 For a CASA approval under subsection 5.03 (3), the operator’s practices and procedures would be assessed to determine how aviation safety margins were to be maintained and monitored; and whether reliable procedures were in place capable of identifying and addressing any degradation in control or communication links.
(2) An RPA operator who, immediately before the commencement of this section held an approval under section 5.03 for an EVLOS operation, may continue to operate the relevant RPA under the approval as if it continued in force for the duration of the approval (unless it is otherwise revoked by CASA).
5.12 Weather and visibility conditions for an EVLOS operation
(1) An RPA may only be flown in an EVLOS operation:
(a) if the remote pilot, and any observer, each has visual acuity (including when corrected) that complies with the Austroads standard for private motor vehicle licensing visual acuity, as in force from time to time; and
Note The Austroads standard can be found here: https://austroads.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/104197/AP-G56-17_Assessing_fitness_to_drive_2016_amended_Aug2017.pdf.
(b) in conditions with a visibility minimum of 5 000 m.
(2) If, during an operation, visibility falls below 5 000 m, the EVLOS operation must be terminated and the RPA landed, as soon as safely possible.
5.13 Controlled airspace and EVLOS operations
An approval of an EVLOS operation conducted in controlled airspace applies only if the operation is conducted in accordance with:
(a) the requirements of Part 101 of CASR and of this MOS; and
Note See, for example, Chapter 4 of this MOS and regulations 101.070, 101.072 and 101.075 of CASR.
(b) any other conditions in any approval from CASA, and any permission from the air traffic control service for the aerodrome, for operations in the relevant controlled airspace.
5.14 Night EVLOS operations
For an approval of an EVLOS operation to be conducted at night, the certified RPA operator must:
(a) be approved for night RPA operations under instrument CASA 01/17, or any replacement instrument in force from time to time unless the replacement instrument expressly applies otherwise; and
(b) satisfy CASA that they can and will comply with the conditions of the instrument.
Note Chapter 6 of this MOS is reserved for more general requirements relating to night operations.
5.15 If manned aircraft are active in the airspace
(1) If, during an EVLOS operation, a manned aircraft is:
(a) flying in the relevant airspace of the operation (the relevant airspace); or
(b) likely to be flying in the relevant airspace;
then, the remote pilot for the EVLOS operation must ensure that the operation does not become a hazard to the manned aircraft, by using, or, subject to subsection (1A), by directing a certified and appropriately trained visual observer to use, the relevant aeronautical VHF channel for:
(c) regular broadcasts; or
(d) direct radiocommunication with the pilot of the manned aircraft.
(1A) Despite a direction given under subsection (1), the remote pilot for the EVLOS operation is at all times responsible for ensuring that the operation of the RPA complies with regulation 101.055 — Hazardous operation prohibited.
(2) Without affecting subsection (1), a person who is a remote pilot for the EVLOS operation must take reasonable steps to make and keep in direct radiocommunication with the pilot of a manned aircraft while the RPA and the manned aircraft are in relevant airspace.
(3) In this section:
relevant airspace means any point of non-controlled airspace into which the manned aircraft is flying at a particular time that is both less than 3 NM in distance and less than 1 500 ft in height from any point of the airspace in which the RPA is flying at the same time.
5.16 Procedures for loss of control of an RPA in an EVLOS operation
(1) For an RPA in an EVLOS operation, the certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures must have procedures for the remote pilot to resolve a loss of control over the RPA.
(2) For subsection (1), the procedures must be such as to ensure that the remote pilot can:
(a) re-establish control over the RPA; or
(b) end the flight without creating an unreasonable hazard to another aircraft, or to people or property.
Note A flight may be ended by means of controlled flight into terrain, if this is possible without creating a hazard to other aircraft, people or property, and all other options for the continuation of safe, observed, flight are exhausted.
5.17 Procedures for loss of communications in an EVLOS operation class 2
(1) For an RPA in an EVLOS operation class 2, the certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures must have procedures for the remote pilot to resolve:
(a) any communication system failure relating to the observation of the RPA; or
(b) any breakdown in communication procedures relating to the observation of the RPA; or
(c) any loss of situational awareness by the relevant observer of the RPA for any reason.
(2) For subsection (1), the procedures must be such as to ensure that the remote pilot must:
(a) for a loss of communications with an observer — immediately use the secondary communication system; or
(b) for a loss of situational awareness by the relevant observer — immediately implement the certified RPA operator’s procedures for loss of situational awareness by an observer to return the RPA to VLOS or EVLOS; or
(c) end the flight without creating an unreasonable hazard to another aircraft, or to people or property.
Note A flight may be ended by means of controlled flight into terrain, if this is possible without creating a hazard to other aircraft, people or property, and all other options for the continuation of safe flight are exhausted.
5.18 Conflict between the requirements of this Chapter and the documented practices and procedures
(1) A certified RPA operator must ensure that there is no conflict or inconsistency between the requirements of this Chapter and the documented practices and procedures.
(2) If there is any conflict or inconsistency:
(a) the requirements of this Chapter must prevail; and
(b) the documented practices and procedures must be immediately revised and corrected.
Note See also the definition of documented practices and procedures in subsection 1.04 (2) of this MOS which requires documented practices and procedures to be approved by CASA.
CHAPTER 6 RESERVED
CHAPTER 7 RESERVED
CHAPTER 8 RESERVED
CHAPTER 9 OPERATIONS OF RPA IN PRESCRIBED AREAS
Division 9.1 RPAS operations at or near non-controlled aerodromes
9.01 Prescribed areas
(1) For subregulation 101.066 of CASR, this Division prescribes the requirements relating to the operation of an RPA in a prescribed area.
(2) For subsection (1), the no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome is a prescribed area for this Division.
9.02 Definitions
In this Division:
area that is shaded black has the same meaning as in section 9.06.
area that is shaded grey has the same meaning as in section 9.06.
defined unmanned aircraft means any of the following:
(a) a micro RPA;
(b) an unmanned aircraft operated in accordance with an authorisation (however called) or exemption, granted under CASR, that permits operation of the aircraft within the no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome during a relevant event;
(c) an unmanned aircraft operated in accordance with an approval of an approved area under regulation 101.030 of CASR.
no-fly zone of an HLS means the area and airspace that is a cylinder:
(a) whose centre is the centre of the HLS; and
(b) which has a a radius of 0.75 NM; and
(c) which has a vertical height of 400 ft.
no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome means any areas and airspace that are:
(a) within 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the non-controlled aerodrome; or
(b) within the approach and departure paths referred to in section 9.06, whether or not they extend beyond 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the non-controlled aerodrome.
Note If the runway is a grass landing strip, the threshold centrepoint of the runway is the point on the threshold of the runway at which the notional centreline of the runway would intersect the threshold.
relevant airspace means each of the following:
(a) the no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome;
(b) the no-fly zone of an HLS.
relevant event means that a manned aircraft is within relevant airspace, including when the aircraft is in the course of approaching, landing at, taking off from, or manoeuvring on the movement area of, the aerodrome.
RPA, for the purposes of this Division, means an RPA that is not a defined unmanned aircraft.
9.02A Meaning of to become aware
In sections 9.03 and 9.04, to become aware that a relevant event is occurring, or is about to occur, is taken to mean the state of awareness that a reasonable person would have, in all the circumstances, that the relevant event was occurring, or was about to occur.
9.03 RPA flight in the no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome
(1) A person may fly an RPA, or conduct RPA operations, in relevant airspace provided that:
(a) the flight or operation does not occur during a relevant event; and
(b) if, during the flight or operation, the person becomes aware that a relevant event is occurring, or is about to occur — the person complies with section 9.04.
Note A remote pilot with a relevant radio qualification should monitor the aerodrome radio frequency and communicate with manned aircraft using the aerodrome frequency.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a certified RPA operator may conduct RPA operations in relevant airspace during a relevant event, but only if the RPA operation is exclusively:
(a) an indoors operation; or
(b) a tethered operation in accordance with section 9.05; or
(c) an operation using a defined unmanned aircraft.
(3) Despite subsection (1), a person who is not a certified RPA operator may fly an RPA in relevant airspace during a relevant event but only if the flight is exclusively an indoors flight.
Note 1 Thus, a person who is not a certified RPA operator may fly an RPA, including a micro RPA, in relevant airspace, only if the flight is exclusively an indoors flight, or if the flight is not occurring during a relevant event, provided that if the person becomes aware that a relevant event is occurring, or is about to occur, the person complies with the requirements of section 9.04.
Note 2 By virtue of subregulation 101.075 (4) of CASR, a person must not fly a model aircraft in the no-fly zone of relevant airspace during a relevant event at a non-controlled aerodrome. On becoming aware that a relevant event is occurring, or is about to occur, a person flying a model aircraft must take immediate action to safely manoeuvre away from the path of the piloted aircraft and land as soon as safely possible.
9.04 Action on becoming aware of a relevant event
If the person who is flying an RPA within relevant airspace becomes aware that a relevant event is occurring, or is about to occur, the person must:
(a) if the RPA is airborne:
(i) act immediately to ensure that the RPA is safely manoeuvred away from the path of the manned aircraft; and
(ii) land the RPA as soon as safely possible; or
(b) if the RPA is on the ground, on water, or on any object or structure on the ground or water — not launch the unmanned aircraft.
9.05 Approval to operate an RPA in a no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome — tethered and indoors operations
(1) A certified RPA operator is approved to conduct RPA operations in relevant airspace, during a relevant event, subject to the certified RPA operator ensuring that the requirements mentioned in subsection (2) are complied with.
Note A certified RPA operator means a person who is certified as a certified RPA operator in accordance with regulation 101.335 of CASR. See the definitions in subsection 1.04 (2) of this MOS.
(2) For subsection (1), the requirements are that the RPA operation is exclusively 1 of the following:
(a) an indoors operation; or
(b) a tethered operation, provided the conditions in subsection (3) are complied with.
(3) For a tethered operation in the no-fly zone of a non-controlled aerodrome, the certified RPA operator must:
(a) use a tether that is no longer than 150 ft; and
(b) ensure that the RPA is not operated higher than 150 ft above the aerodrome elevation; and
Note The aerodrome elevation can be determined from the aerodrome obstacle limitation data (OLS data).
(c) conduct the tethered operation in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures for operations under this Division; and
(d) ensure that:
(i) the RPA is flown within the area that is shaded grey for the non-controlled aerodrome; or
(ii) if the RPA is flown within the area that is shaded black for the non-controlled aerodrome, the RPA is not flown within 3NM from the measurement point of any runway of the non-controlled aerodrome.
(4) For paragraph (2) (b), the requirements for the no-fly zone of an HLS are as follows:
(a) the tether must be no longer than 150 ft;
(b) the RPA must always be at least 465 m from the central axis of the no-fly zone of the HLS;
(c) the RPA flight must be conducted within VLOS;
(d) the RPA flight must be conducted in accordance with the certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures for operations under this Division.
9.06 Approach and departure paths — non-controlled aerodromes
(1) Figure 9.06 (1)-1 shows the approach and departure paths of a non-controlled aerodrome.
Note Figure 9.06 (1)-2 illustrates a cross-runways scenario to which the requirements in this Division apply in the same way as for a single runway. Application of the requirements does not affect the black-shaded areas but produces overlapping grey-shaded areas, and what would otherwise be a grey-shaded area becomes a black-shaded area because of the intersection of the runways.
(2) As shown in Figure 9.06 (1)-1, the approach and departure path is up to 400 ft, as follows:
(a) anywhere on or from the ground upwards in the area that is the runway or the runway strip;
(b) anywhere in the following areas which are the approach and departure paths for the non-controlled aerodrome:
(i) on or from the ground upwards in the area that is shaded black to a distance of 7 km from the end of the runway strip;
(ii) anywhere from 150 ft (45 m) above the ground (referenced to the aerodrome elevation) in the area that is shaded grey.
(3) The area that is shaded black, which shows the approach and departure paths and the ground below them, is described as comprising the following:
(a) a symmetrical trapezoids with the shorter side coincident with the ends of a nominal 100 m wide runway strip and extending out at an angle of 15 degrees on either side to a distance of 7 km;
(b) a rectangle extending 500 m on either side of the runway centreline and overlying the runway strip until it intersects the trapezoids of the approach and departure paths.
(4) The area that is shaded grey is an area that extends 3NM in all directions from the measurement point.
Figure 9.06 (1)-1 Non-controlled aerodromes approach and departure paths (shows matters, but shape only illustrates matters)
Figure 9.06 (1)-2: Intersecting runways (illustrates matters)
CHAPTER 9 OPERATIONS OF RPA IN PRESCRIBED AREAS
Division 9.2 RESERVED
CHAPTER 10 RECORD KEEPING FOR CERTAIN RPA AND MODEL AIRCRAFT
Division 10.1 Preliminary
10.01 Definitions for the Chapter
In this Chapter:
configuration of an RPA mentioned in this Chapter is comprised of the particular RPA’s airframe, engines and motors, and all of the flight control system hardware for the RPA.
Note The configuration of an RPA for its unique identification mark does not include propellers, rotors or batteries.
medium excluded RPA means an RPA within the meaning of subregulation 101.237 (7) of CASR.
Note A medium RPA (that is not an airship) has a gross weight of at least 25 kg but less than 150 kg.
operation, for an RPA, means a single flight of the RPA, or a series of similar or related flights of the RPA on the same day.
record includes an electronic record but only when:
(a) the electronic record is created in a form that makes the record unalterable after the record has been made; and
(b) if an erroneous electronic record is created — the correction of the electronic record is in the form of an electronic record which identifies the error and corrects it.
small excluded RPA means an RPA within the meaning of subregulation 101.237 (4) of CASR;
Note A small RPA has a gross weight of at least 2 kg but less than 25 kg.
unique identification mark, for an RPAS for an RPA mentioned in this Chapter, is the number (and letters, if any) that the certified RPA operator or other operator, as the case may be, ascribes to each configuration of the RPA that the particular operator operates.
CHAPTER 10 RECORD KEEPING FOR CERTAIN RPA AND MODEL AIRCRAFT
Division 10.2 Record-keeping requirements — RPA other than excluded RPA
10.02 Purpose
For paragraph 101.272 (1) (a) of CASR, this Division prescribes record-keeping requirements for a certified RPA operator of an RPA, other than an excluded RPA.
Note For a certified RPA operator, see regulation 101.335. For excluded RPA, see regulation 101.237.
10.03 Certain operational and training records to be kept
(1) A certified RPA operator must ensure that the chief remote pilot keeps the following RPAS operational records:
(a) if a job safety assessment that is carried out in relation to the operation — a copy of the assessment;
(b) if a risk management plan is produced for an RPA operation — a copy of the plan;
(c) if an operational flight plan is issued for an RPA operation — a copy of the plan;
(2) If the certified RPA operator conducts training that is not a RePL training course, the operator must ensure that the chief remote pilot keeps a record of the training, including the following:
(a) the full name and ARN of each individual being trained;
(b) each date of the training;
(c) the nature, extent and purpose of the training;
(d) the outcome of the training for each individual.
Note Under paragraph 101.342 (b) of CASR, the chief remote pilot must maintain a record of the qualifications held by each person operating an RPA for the operator.
(3) Each record mentioned in this section must be kept for at least 7 years after the day the record was made.
10.03A RePL training course records
(1) A certified RPA operator must ensure that the chief remote pilot keeps the following RePL training course records:
(a) the full name and ARN of each applicant who attended the course;
(aa) the name and nature of the course, including by reference to the RPA category, type, and complexity;
(b) each date on which the course was conducted;
(c) the RePL training units covered in the course;
(d) the outcome of the course for each applicant;
(e) the aeronautical knowledge examination as completed by each applicant and assessed by the examiner;
(f) for each examination attempted by each applicant:
(i) the applicant’s full name and ARN;
(ii) the date of the examination;
(iii) whether the examination was a second or subsequent attempt (a resit);
Note See also subsection 2.09 (3).
(iv) the mark awarded to the applicant for the examination, and whether the applicant passed the examination;
(g) for each flight test attempted by each applicant:
(i) the list of questions asked of the applicant to demonstrate their knowledge for the purposes of the matters (the items) mentioned in clause 2 of the relevant Appendix in Schedule 6 (the relevant clause 2);
(ii) for each question in the list, whether the candidate demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge;
(iii) if the examiner invoked subsection 2.31 (5) with respect to any item mentioned in the relevant clause 2 — details of the matter;
(iv) any specified additional training for subsection 2.31 (9);
(v) the overall assessment of the applicant’s level of knowledge;
(vi) for each unit of competency, item and manoeuvre, and accuracy and tolerance mentioned for subsection 2.31 (3) in the practical flight standards in the relevant Appendix in Schedule 6 — whether or not the applicant demonstrated competency;
(vii) the overall assessment of the applicant’s level of practical competency.
(h) for each flight test attempted by each applicant — the category, type, and complexity of the RPA used for the flight test.
(2) Each record mentioned in this section must be kept for at least 7 years after the day the record was made.
10.04 RPAS operational release
(1) Subject to subsection (5), before commencing an RPA operation, a certified RPA operator must make and keep a record of the following information (an RPAS operational release) for the operation:
(a) the nature and purpose of the operation;
(b) information identifying the relevant RPA, including the type and model;
(c) the remote pilot station for the operation;
(d) the dates and times of the operation;
(e) the following:
(i) the places from which the RPA is to be:
(A) launched for the operation; and
(B) landed and recovered at the end of the operation;
(ii) the maximum height (AGL) permitted for the operation;
(f) the full name and ARN of:
(i) the remote pilot in command; and
(ii) each other remote pilot involved in the operation (if any);
(g) if an individual who is not a remote pilot for the operation is assigned duty in relation to the operation — the individual’s full name and position as described in the operator’s documented practices and procedures;
Note The individual’s actual duties will, therefore, be found in the operator’s documented practices and procedures.
(h) whether the RPA is to be operated within VLOS, or within EVLOS, or beyond VLOS during the operation;
(i) whether or not CASA has issued any instrument of approval, authorisation, direction, instruction, permission or exemption (however described) for the operation, and the full details of the instrument;
Note The requirement to record full details of the instrument is met by including a copy of the instrument with the record.
(j) that the relevant RPA is serviceable for the operation.
(2) An RPA operation must not commence until the RPAS operational release has been approved by a person authorised for the purpose under the operator’s documented practices and procedures.
Note The approved operational release can be provided electronically, for example, through a software program or an email.
(3) The certified RPA operator must keep the RPA operational release for at least 7 years after the day the operation ends.
(5) Subsection (1) does not apply if the RPA is operated by an ReOC holder who is the sole remote pilot for the RPA in any operation under the ReOC.
(6) Paragraphs (1) (g) to (i) do not apply to an RPA whose gross weight is less than 2 kg in a VLOS operation.
10.05 RPAS operational log
(1) The certified RPA operator must ensure that the remote pilot in command of an RPA flight maintains an operational record (the RPAS operational log) in which the following is recorded as soon as practicable after the remote pilot ceases to operate the RPA:
(a) the nature and purpose of the operation;
(b) information identifying the RPA, including the type, model and unique identification mark;
(c) the remote pilot station for the operation;
(d) the dates and times of the operation;
(e) the places, identified by specific location or global Cartesian coordinates, from which the RPA was:
(i) launched for the operation; and
(ii) landed and recovered at the end of the operation;
(f) the name and ARN of the remote pilot in command;
(g) the names, roles, and ARNs, if applicable, of other crew members responsible for the safe operation of the RPA for the operation;
(h) whether the RPA was operated within VLOS, within EVLOS 1, EVLOS 2 or beyond VLOS during the operation;
(j) details of the relevant flight segments and the heights (AGL) at which each segment was flown, clearly indicating if and when the RPA was flown above 400 ft for any part of the operation;
(k) whether the RPA became unserviceable during the operation;
(l) where the RPAS operational log is not part of the RPAS operational record and the RPAS operational release — appropriate references to identify the RPAS operational record and the RPAS operational release.
Note The RPAS operational log may be a confirmation that no operational release records have changed. If operational release records have changed, such changes may be individually identified and do not require completion of a separate operational log.
(2) Paragraphs (1) (h) and (j) do not apply to an RPA whose gross weight is less than 2 kg in a VLOS operation.
(3) The certified RPA operator must ensure that the remote pilot operational log for an RPA operation is kept until the day that is at least 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator.
10.06 Remote pilot log — for flight time
(1) The certified RPA operator must ensure that each of the operator’s remote pilots keeps a remote pilot log to record their accumulated flight time operating RPA.
(2) The remote pilot log must also record the following for the remote pilot:
(a) information identifying each RPAS operation, including the type, model and unique identification mark of each RPA that is flown by the remote pilot;
(b) the date, location and duration of each RPA flight;
(c) separate accumulated flight times for operations that are:
(i) at night; or
(ii) within VLOS; or
(iii) within EVLOS; or
(iv) beyond VLOS;
(d) accumulated flight time in simulated operation of the RPAS, including details of the type of RPAS operations simulated.
(3) The certified RPA operator must ensure that the remote pilot log for an RPA operation is kept until the day that is at least 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator.
10.07 RPAS technical log
(1) The certified RPA operator must ensure that 1 of the following:
(a) the operator’s maintenance controller (if any);
(b) a person within the meaning of subparagraph 101.340 (1) (c) (ii) of CASR;
keeps a record (the RPAS technical log) of the following information in relation to the maintenance of the RPAS:
(c) information identifying the RPAS, including:
(i) the type, model and unique identification mark of the RPA; and
(ii) the unique identification mark of the RPA in any previous configuration (if applicable); and
(iii) the maximum gross weight of the RPA for operations (including with payload where applicable);
(d) information relating to the continuing airworthiness of the RPAS, including:
(i) the total flight time the RPA has been operated;
(ii) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 25 kg — individual in-service times for engines, motors, rotors and propellers;
(v) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 2 kg — the maintenance schedule for the RPAS;
(vi) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 2 kg — the maintenance carried out on the RPA in accordance with the operator’s documented practices and procedures;
(vii) the date or operational time for the next maintenance action;
(viii) for an RPA whose gross weight is more than 2 kg — the results of any rectification of defective equipment essential to the safety of the RPAS operation;
(ix) if fail-safe equipment that is fitted to the RPA is unserviceable:
(A) a description of each piece of such equipment; and
(B) an explanation for its unserviceability; and
(C) the precautions required, or limitations imposed, when operating the RPA with the unserviceable fail-safe equipment;
(x) certification by the person mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) or (1) (b) (as the case requires) that all maintenance required for the RPAS to be serviceable for operations has been completed.
Note A requirement to record a certification is met by including a copy of the certificate with the record.
(2) The certified RPA operator must keep the RPA technical log until the day that is at least 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator.
(3) Within the period of 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the certified RPA operator, the operator must, as soon as practicable, provide a copy of the RPA technical log to CASA upon written request.
(4) Within the period of 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the certified RPA operator, the operator must, as soon as practicable, provide a copy of the RPA technical log to a person who:
(a) makes a written request for the log; and
(b) provides reasonable evidence that the person is the new operator of the RPA; and
(c) provides payment for preparation and provision of the log, based on a reasonable cost recovery for such preparation and provision.
Note The complete technical history of an RPAS is of vital importance to the safety of future RPA operations by the new certified RPA operator.
10.08 Records of qualification and competency
(1) This section applies if a person (the candidate):
(a) is employed by a certified RPA operator; and
(b) performs duties other than those of the remote pilot, in relation to the safety of RPA operations; and
(c) obtains a qualification or a competency in relation to the safe operation of an RPA.
(2) The certified RPA operator must:
(a) make a record (the record) of the person obtaining the qualification or competency; and
(b) provide a copy of the record to the person before the person exercises any privileges attributable to the qualification or competency; and
(c) keep the record for at least 7 years after the day the person ceases to be employed by the operator.
Note Observers, ground handlers and loading staff who have a direct role in ensuring the safety of RPA operations are examples of persons for whom this section would apply.
CHAPTER 10 RECORD KEEPING FOR CERTAIN RPA AND MODEL AIRCRAFT
Division 10.3 Record-keeping requirements — excluded RPA
10.09 Purpose
(1) For paragraph 101.272 (1) (a) of CASR, record-keeping requirements for an operator of an excluded RPA are prescribed in accordance with the provisions of this Division.
(2) For subsection (1), “an operator” of an excluded RPA is the person who makes the relevant RPA available to the remote pilot.
10.10 RPAS operational log
(1) This section applies to any of the following (an applicable RPA):
(a) a small excluded RPA; and
(b) a medium excluded RPA.
(2) The operator must ensure that the remote pilot in command of the applicable RPA flight maintains an operational record (the RPAS operational log) in which the following is recorded as soon as practicable after the pilot ceases to operate the RPA:
(a) the nature and purpose of the operation;
(b) the specific location of the operation and the maximum height at which the RPA was flown;
(c) information identifying the RPA, including the type, model and unique identification mark;
(d) the remote pilot station for the operation;
(e) the dates and times of the operation;
(f) the name and ARN of the remote pilot in command;
(g) whether the RPA was serviceable after the final flight of the day, and the nature of any unserviceability.
(3) The operator must ensure that the remote pilot operational log for the applicable RPA operation is kept until the day that is at least 3 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator.
10.11 Remote pilot log — for flight time
(1) This section applies only to a medium excluded RPA (the applicable RPA).
(2) The operator must ensure that each of the operator’s remote pilots flying an applicable RPA keeps a remote pilot log to record their accumulated flight time operating excluded RPA.
(3) The remote pilot log must also record the following for the remote pilot:
(a) information identifying each RPAS operation, including the type, model and unique identification mark of each RPA that is flown by the pilot;
(b) the date, location and duration of each RPA flight.
Note A remote pilot who flies for the operator of an excluded RPA and also for a certified RPA operator may record the information in the same log/record provided that the different types of operators are identified.
(4) The operator of the applicable RPA must ensure that the remote pilot log for an RPA operation is kept until the day that is at least 3 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator.
10.12 RPAS technical log
(1) This section applies only to a medium excluded RPA (the applicable RPA).
(2) For the applicable RPA, the operator must keep a record (the RPA technical log) of the following information in relation to the operation and maintenance of the RPAS for the applicable RPA:
(a) information identifying the RPAS, including:
(i) the type, model and unique identification mark of the RPA; and
(ii) the unique identification mark of the RPA in any previous configuration (if applicable); and
(iii) the maximum gross weight of the RPA for operations (including with payload where applicable);
(b) the following information relating to the continuing airworthiness of the RPAS:
(i) the total flight time the RPA has been operated;
(ii) where applicable to the airworthiness of the RPA — individual in-service times for engines, motors, rotors and propellers;
(iii) the date or operational time for the next maintenance action;
(iv) any maintenance carried out on the RPA;
(v) certification by the operator that all maintenance required by the manufacturer for the RPAS to be serviceable for operations has been completed.
Note A requirement to record a certification is met by including a copy of the certificate with the record.
(3) The operator of the RPA must keep the RPA technical log until the day that is at least 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator.
(4) Within the period of 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator, the operator must, as soon as practicable, provide a copy of the RPA technical log to CASA upon written request.
(5) Within the period of 7 years after the last time the RPA is operated by the operator, the operator must, as soon as practicable, provide a copy of the RPA technical log to a person who:
(a) makes a written request for the log; and
(b) provides reasonable evidence that the person is the new operator of the RPA; and
(c) provides payment for preparation and provision of the log, based on a reasonable cost recovery for such preparation and provision.
Note The complete technical history of an RPAS is of vital importance to the safety of future RPA operations by the new operator.
CHAPTER 10 RECORD KEEPING FOR CERTAIN RPA AND MODEL AIRCRAFT
Division 10.4 Requirements for giving information to CASA
10.13 Purpose
(1) For paragraph 101.272 (1) (b) and subregulation 101.372 (1) of CASR, this Division prescribes requirements for certain persons who operate, or propose to operate, an RPA (the RPA operator) to give information or notice to CASA.
(2) For subsection (1), the “RPA operator” is the person who makes the relevant RPA available to the remote pilot.
10.14 Very small, small, and medium excluded RPA — notification before first operation
(1) This section applies for any of the following that is an excluded RPA mentioned in subregulation 101.371 (1):
(a) a very small RPA;
(b) a small RPA;
(c) a medium RPA.
(2) For subregulation 101.372 (1) of CASR:
(a) a person’s use of their myCASA account and the CASA RPA online registration process to register an excluded RPA is the form and manner hereby approved by CASA for CASA to be notified before the first operation of the excluded RPA; and
(b) registration of the excluded RPA is taken to be such notification.
10.15 Micro, very small, small, and medium registered RPA — other information
(1) For paragraphs 101.272 (1) (b) and 101.373 (1) (b) of CASR, this section applies to a person who has registered an RPA.
(2) If:
(a) the person has used their myCASA account to give CASA any personal or commercial identification, or contact details, or any other information; and
(b) any of the details or information changes;
then:
(c) the person must use their myCASA account to update the details or information not more than 21 days after the change; and
(d) the person’s use of their myCASA account is the form and manner hereby approved by CASA for the notification.
(3) A person must, as soon as practicable, give CASA specified operational information about the registered RPA, if CASA;
(a) considers that the information is necessary for the purposes of aviation safety; and
(b) requests the information in writing; and
(c) explains in the request why the information is necessary for aviation safety.
10.17 Certified RPA operator — changes to information already given to CASA
(1) This section applies to a certified RPA operator who is certified under regulation 101.335 of CASR to operate an RPA other than an excluded RPA.
(2) The certified RPA operator must inform CASA in writing of any change in the information given to CASA for the purposes of the operator’s certification.
(3) For subsection (2), the information includes changes to any of the following:
(a) if the certified RPA operator is an individual — the person’s name;
(b) if the certified RPA operator has an operating or trading name — the operating or trading name;
(c) the certified RPA operator’s street, postal and email addresses;
(d) the identity of the chief remote pilot;
(e) the identity of:
(i) the maintenance controller (if any); or
(ii) the person within the meaning of subparagraph 101.340 (1) (c) (ii) of CASR;
(f) the types of RPA operated by the certified RPA operator;
Note See the definition of type in subsection 1.04 (2).
(g) the certified RPA operator’s documented practices and procedures.
Note If a change is to be a significant change, it will require a separate CASA approval in advance under Chapter 10A. Unlike other matters mentioned in subsection (3), a proposed significant change cannot be made and then notified to CASA after the event. See subsection (4), and the definition of significant change in subsection 1.04 (2).
(4) The certified RPA operator must give CASA the information mentioned in subsections (2) and (3):
(a) for a change that is not a significant change — not later than 21 days after the day the change occurred; and
(b) for a change that is significant change — before the change occurs.
(4A) A certified RPA operator must not make a significant change unless CASA has first approved the significant change under Chapter 10A.
(5) For subsections (2), (3) and (4):
(a) CASA may approve in writing the form and the manner in which the information is to be given to CASA; and
(b) if paragraph (a) applies, the information must be given to CASA in accordance with the approved form and manner for the information.
Note The effect of subsection (5) is that the relevant information must be given to CASA whether or not there is a CASA-approved form and manner; but if there is a CASA-approved form and manner, giving the information must be in accordance with it.
CHAPTER 10A SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Division 10A.1 General
10A.01 Purpose
(1) This Chapter is for the definition of significant change in subsection 1.04 (2).
(2) A certified RPA operator to whom section 10.17 applies (the operator), must not make a significant change unless CASA has, in writing, approved the significant change.
(3) The operator may, on the approved form, make a written application to CASA to approve a significant change.
(4) CASA may approve a significant change, with or without conditions, but only if:
(a) the change is consistent with the nature and scope of operator’s certification; and
(b) would have no adverse effect on aviation safety.
Note For applications and approvals, see Subparts 11.B and 11.BA of CASR.
10A.02 Transition to the 18 October 2023 amendments by existing operators
(1) This section applies to a person who was a certified RPA operator immediately before 19 April 2023 (the operator).
(2) If, on or after 19 April 2023, an operator proposes to change their documented practices and procedures to comply with or accommodate a requirement or change caused by an amendment in Schedule 2 of the Part 101 Manual of Standards (Miscellaneous Revisions) Amendment Instrument 2023 (No. 1), then:
(a) the change is deemed to be a significant change (a deemed significant change) requiring CASA approval; and
(b) the significant change forms and procedures under this Chapter apply to and for the change; and
(c) the application to CASA for approval of the change must be submitted to CASA on or before 28 June 2023.
(3) A fully completed application for approval of a deemed significant change that is submitted to CASA on or before 28 June 2023 will be determined by CASA on or before 18 October 2023.
(4) An application for approval of a deemed significant change that does not comply with paragraph (2) (c) may not be determined sooner than the day after 18 November 2023 that is the same number of days after 18 November 2023 as elapsed from (but excluding) 28 June 2023 to (but excluding) the day the application was received by CASA.
Note 1 For example, an application for the significant change received by CASA on 28 July 2023 may not be determined until, at the earliest, 18 December 2023 (29 days after 18 November 2023). A training course is not a RPL training course within the meaning of the CASR Dictionary, unless it is conducted in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Part 101 MOS. Unless a course is so compliant, a student who completes it cannot be granted a RePL licence.
Note 2 The purpose of this provision is to allow CASA to plan and program, with some element of certainty and predictability, its workload and resources across its organisation, for the contingency of late applications. Decisions on the treatment of late applications would be reviewable under section 31 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 or regulation 201.004 (Table 201.004, item 1) of CASR.
10A.03 Transition to the 18 October 2023 amendments by new operators
(1) This section applies to a person who on or after 19 April 2023, but before 18 October 2023, first became a certified RPA operator (the operator).
(2) If, on or after 19 April 2023, an operator proposes to change their documented practices and procedures to comply with or accommodate a requirement or change caused by an amendment in Schedule 2 of the Part 101 Manual of Standards (Miscellaneous Revisions) Amendment Instrument 2023 (No. 1), then:
(a) the change is deemed to be a significant change (a deemed significant change) requiring CASA approval; and
(b) the significant change forms and procedures under this Chapter apply to and for the change; and
(c) the application to CASA for approval of the change must be submitted to CASA before 18 October 2023.
(3) A fully completed application for approval of a deemed significant change that is submitted to CASA on or before 18 October 2023 will be determined by CASA as soon as practicable, before, on or after 18 October 2023.
(4) An application for approval of a deemed significant change that does not comply with paragraph (2) (c) may not be determined sooner than the day after 18 November 2023 that is the same number of days after 18 November 2023 as elapsed from (but excluding) 18 October 2023 to (but excluding) the day the application was received by CASA.
Note 1 For example, an application for the significant change received by CASA on 31 October 2023 may not be determined until, at the earliest, 1 December 2023 (12 days after 18 November 2023). A training course is not a RPL training course within the meaning of the CASR Dictionary, unless it is conducted in accordance with the standards and requirements of the Part 101 MOS. Unless a course is so compliant, a student who completes it cannot be granted a RePL licence.
Note 2 The purpose of this provision is to allow CASA to plan and program, with some element of certainty and predictability, its workload and resources across its organisation for the contingency of late applications. Decisions on the treatment of late applications would be reviewable under section 31 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 or regulation 201.004 (Table 201.004, item 1) of CASR.
CHAPTER 11 TEST FLIGHTS
Division 11.1 Circumstances in which an RPA may be operated for test flights without registration
11.01 Purpose
For subregulation 101.099B (1) of CASR, this Division prescribes the circumstances in which an RPA that is not required to be registered under Division 47.C.1 of CASR, and is not registered under Division 47.C.2, may be operated for the purposes of a test flight.
Note For operations, all RPA are required to be registered, generally under Division 47.C.2, unless specifically excluded by CASA (see subregulation 47.015 (1B)) or unless conducting a test flight in accordance with this Chapter.
11.02 Circumstances
For section 11.01, the circumstances are when the RPA (the relevant aircraft) is operated for any of the following purposes, provided that the operation is relevant to the development, manufacture, repair or maintenance of the relevant aircraft or its aircraft system (the relevant system), or of equipment associated with the relevant aircraft or its aircraft system (relevant equipment):
(a) a test flight conducted by, or at the request of, the manufacturer developing the relevant aircraft, system or equipment, and for the purpose of such development;
(b) a test flight, following the manufacture of the relevant aircraft, system or equipment, that is conducted:
(i) by, or at the request of, the manufacturer of the relevant aircraft, system or equipment; and
(ii) before it is provided to the initial purchaser of the relevant aircraft, system or equipment;
(c) a test flight following the fitting of relevant equipment to a relevant aircraft or system, that is conducted by, or at the request of, the person who fitted the equipment;
(d) a test flight before or after repair or maintenance of the relevant aircraft, system or equipment, that is conducted by, or at the request of, the person who carried out, or will carry out, the maintenance or repair.
Division 11.2 Requirements relating to the operation of an RPA that is operated for test flights without registration
11.03 Purpose
For subregulation 101.099B (3) of CASR, this Division prescribes the requirements relating to the operation of an RPA mentioned in section 11.01 (a relevant aircraft) for the purposes of a test flight.
11.04 Requirements
(1) For section 11.03, the person who operates a relevant aircraft for a test flight (the relevant operator) must prepare a written record of the test flight (the record) that includes the following:
(a) the serial number of the relevant aircraft flown;
(b) the name, address and ARN (if any) of the owner of relevant aircraft;
(c) the time and date of the test flight;
(d) the location of the test flight;
(e) the reason for the test flight;
Note See section 11.02 for the permitted reasons.
(f) any accident, incident or malfunction that occurred during the test flight;
(g) the name of the relevant operator.
(2) The relevant operator must prepare the record as soon as possible after the test flight is completed, and must sign and date the record.
(3) The relevant operator, or the employer of the relevant operator (the keeper) must keep the record, securely and retrievably, for 3 years from the date of the test flight (a current record).
(4) The keeper must give to CASA, on written request, a complete and legible hard or soft copy of a current record.
(5) Neither the relevant operator nor the employer of the relevant operator may disclose a current record, or the information in a current record, to a person other than CASA unless:
(a) the disclosure has the consent of the owner of the relevant aircraft; or
(b) the disclosure is required by law.
CHAPTER 12 IDENTIFICATION OF RPA
12.01 Identification of RPA required to be registered
(1) This section is for subregulation 101.098 (1) of CASR.
(2) In this section:
unmanned aircraft to which this section applies means an RPA that is required to be registered under Division 47.C.2 of CASR.
(3) An unmanned aircraft to which this section applies must at all times when it is operating:
(a) legibly display, in a manner that is easily seen or accessible:
(i) the manufacturer’s serial number; or
(ii) if there is no manufacturer’s serial number — the mark allocated by CASA when the aircraft was registered; and
Note This requirement is met even if the serial number or CASA mark is written or affixed inside the aircraft, as long as the number or mark is in a position where an authorised person or a police officer on the ground can readily view, see or inspect it, for example, inside an easily opened battery compartment.
(b) use the electronic identification of the aircraft (if any) allocated by the manufacturer, in such a way that it is not changed, masked or interfered with in any way without the written permission of CASA.
CHAPTER 13 OPERATION OF FOREIGN REGISTERED RPA
13.01 Permission to operate foreign registered RPA
(1) This section is for subregulation 101.099 (1) of CASR.
(2) In this section:
Australian civil aviation legislation means the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (the Act), the regulations made under the Act, and any legislative instruments made under the Act or the regulations.
unmanned aircraft to which this section applies means any RPA that has been registered under a law of a foreign country but not registered in Australia.
(3) Subject to this section and Part 47 of CASR, an unmanned aircraft to which this section applies is not required to be registered in Australia.
(4) A person must not operate an unmanned aircraft to which this section applies unless the person:
(a) has applied to CASA for permission to operate the aircraft, in accordance with the approved form for such applications; and
Note The approved form requires the applicant to supply the details of all of the following for the aircraft (as applicable): any manufacturer’s serial number; any electronic identification; any mark or other visual identification attached or displayed.
(b) has paid the legislated fee for such a permission; and
(c) has obtained the written permission of CASA, and that permission:
(i) has not expired; and
(ii) has not been revoked under section 13.03; and
(iii) is not affected by subsection (5).
Note In the interests of safety, all permissions will be time-limited.
(d) operates the aircraft in accordance with the conditions (if any) in the permission; and
(e) otherwise complies with the limitations and restrictions on the operation of an unmanned aircraft set out in the Australian civil aviation legislation; and
(f) when operating the aircraft, produces the permission, along with photographic identification, on request by an officer of CASA, or of an Australian police service, acting in the course of their official duties.
(5) If, after permission has been granted, an unmanned aircraft to which this section applies is the subject of an unacceptable modification, the aircraft, as modified, must not be operated unless a new permission under this section is granted for the aircraft in its modified form.
(6) If an unmanned aircraft to which this section applies is:
(a) the subject of a permission under this section; and
(b) subsequently modified; and
(c) the modification is not an unacceptable modification;
then the permission:
(d) is taken to apply to the aircraft as modified; and
(e) ceases to apply to any other aircraft.
Note The effect of subsection (6) is that a permission with respect to an aircraft only ever applies to a single version of the aircraft at any time.
13.02 Renewal of permission to operate foreign registered RPA
A permission granted under section 13.01 may be renewed, or re-issued in an amended form, before or after the permission has expired, if the person who holds or last held the permission applies for the renewal or re-issue of the permission as if section 13.01 applied to the application for the renewal or re‑issue.
13.03 Revocation of permission to operate foreign registered RPA
(1) CASA:
(a) subject to paragraph (b), may revoke a permission given to a person to operate an RPA to which section 13.01 applies (the aircraft) in any of the circumstances set out in subsection (2); and
(b) must revoke the permission if CASA considers that revocation is necessary in the interests of aviation safety.
(2) For subsection (1), the circumstances are any of the following:
(a) where CASA considers that operations under the permission present an unreasonable risk to aviation;
(b) where CASA considers that the aircraft has been flown in contravention of Australian civil aviation legislation, including paragraph 13.01 (4) (d) or (e);
(c) where CASA considers that, since the permission was granted, the aircraft has undergone an unacceptable modification;
(d) where, before a permission issued under section 13.01 expires, the person to whom it was issued requests, in writing, that the permission be revoked;
Note There is no fee for a revocation of this nature.
(e) where, before a permission issued under section 13.01 expires, CASA has received an application under section 13.01 for permission (a new permission) to operate the aircraft from a person (a new applicant) other than the person who holds the permission to operate the aircraft (the old permission holder) — provided the application is accompanied by a written statement of agreement to the new permission from the old permission holder.
(3) For subsection (1), CASA’s revocation must be by written notice given to the person who holds the permission that is being revoked.
Note For review of a decision to revoke a permission under paragraph 13.03 (1) (a) or (b), see regulation 201.004 of CASR.
CHAPTER 14 PERMISSIBLE MODIFICATIONS TO REGISTERED RPA
14.01 Modifications to registered RPA
(1) This section is for subregulation 101.099A (1) of CASR.
(2) In this section:
unmanned aircraft to which this section applies means an RPA that:
(a) is not a foreign registered RPA; and
(b) is required to be registered under Division 47.C.2 of CASR.
(3) If, after it has been registered, an unmanned aircraft to which this section applies is the subject of an unacceptable modification, the aircraft, as modified, must not be operated unless it is registered again in its modified form.
Note For the meaning of unacceptable modification, see subsection 1.04 (2).
(4) If an unmanned aircraft to which this section applies is:
(a) registered under Division 47.C.2 of CASR; and
(b) subsequently modified; and
(c) the modification is not an unacceptable modification;
then the aircraft’s registration:
(d) is taken to apply to the aircraft as modified; and
(e) ceases to apply to any other aircraft.
Note The effect of subsection (4) is that an aircraft registration only ever applies to a single version of the aircraft at any time.
CHAPTER 15 CONDUCT OF ONLINE TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION
Division 15.1 General
15.01 Purpose of Chapter
This Chapter is for subregulation 101.374F (1) of CASR.
15.02 Definition
In this Chapter:
approved manner, for an applicant’s submission of a declaration to CASA, means to personally submit the declaration to CASA:
(a) through the unmanned aircraft accreditation portal on the CASA website; or
(b) if CASA, in writing, approves another form and manner of submission — in accordance with that form and manner.
Division 15.2 Online training
15.03 Completion of online training
(1) Online training under paragraph 101.374E (2) (b) of CASR for a particular kind of accreditation mentioned in regulation 101.374D is not completed by a person who has applied under regulation 101.374D for a particular accreditation (the applicant) unless the requirements of section 15.04 are complied with.
(2) An online examination under paragraph 101.374E (2) (c) of CASR for a particular kind of accreditation mentioned in regulation 101.374D is not completed by the applicant unless the requirements of section 15.05 are complied with.
15.04 Integrity of online training
The applicant must:
(a) personally successfully complete the entirety of the online training for the particular kind of accreditation mentioned in regulation 101.374D of CASR that is applied for; and
(b) personally complete the declaration for the training to the effect that the applicant is the person who:
(i) applies for the accreditation; and
(ii) completes all of the training for the accreditation; and
(c) personally submit the declaration to CASA in the approved manner.
15.05 Integrity of online examination
The applicant must:
(a) personally complete the online examination for the particular kind of accreditation mentioned in regulation 101.374D of CASR that is applied for, without any assistance, oral, manual, electronic, or in writing, from another person; and
(b) achieve the pass mark specified in the online examination for the accreditation; and
(c) personally complete the declaration for the online examination to the effect that the applicant:
(i) is the person who applies for the accreditation; and
(ii) is the person who completes all of the online examination; and
(iii) solemnly undertakes that they have not, and will not without a court order, or CASA’s written permission which may be given for the purposes of any formal process of dispute resolution, disclose to any person the questions that were asked in the online examination; and
(d) personally submit the declaration to CASA in the approved manner.
Note If CASA has reasonable grounds for believing that an applicant made a false declaration, this may result in the giving of a show cause notice that could lead to the suspension or cancellation of the accreditation: see regulations 101.374H and 101.374J.
Schedule 1 Acronyms and abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| AGL | above ground level |
| AIP | aeronautical information package |
| ATC | air traffic control |
| AWIS | aerodrome weather information service |
| CASA | Civil Aviation Safety Authority |
| CASR | Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 |
| CTA | controlled airspace |
| EMI | electromagnetic interference |
| ERSA | En Route Supplement Australia |
| EVLOS | extended visual line of sight |
| FPV | first person view |
| ft | feet |
| g | gravitational force |
| GPS | global positioning system |
| HF | high frequency |
| Kv | motor velocity constant (RPM per volt) |
| m | metres |
| MF | medium frequency |
| MOS | manual of standards |
| NM | nautical miles |
| NOTAM | notice to airmen |
| PRD | prohibited/restricted/danger areas |
| RAIM | receiver autonomous integrity monitoring |
| RePL | remote pilot licence |
| RPA | remotely piloted aircraft |
| RPAS | remotely piloted aircraft system |
| RPM | revolutions per minute |
| RPS | remote pilot station |
| UHF | ultra-high frequency |
| UTC | universal time coordinate |
| V | volts |
| VHF | very high frequency |
| VLOS | visual line of sight |
Schedule 2 Directory for aeronautical knowledge standards for a RePL training course
Appendix 1 Aeronautical knowledge standards — Common units
| Unit code | Unit of knowledge |
| RBAK | Basic aviation knowledge for RPAS |
| RACP | Airspace, charts and aeronautical publications for RPAS |
| RBMO | Basic meteorology for RPAS operations |
| REES | Electrical and electronic systems for RPAS |
| RHPF | Human performance for RPAS |
| RKOP | RPAS knowledge — operations and procedures |
| RORA | Operational rules and air law for RPAS |
| RAFM | Automated flight management systems for RPAS — knowledge |
Appendix 2 Aeronautical knowledge standards — Aeroplane category
| Unit code | Unit of knowledge |
| RBKA | RPA that is an aeroplane — aircraft knowledge and operation principles |
Appendix 3 Aeronautical knowledge standards — Helicopter (multirotor class) category
| Unit code | Unit of knowledge |
| RBKM | RPA that is a multirotor — aeronautical knowledge and operation principles |
Appendix 4 Aeronautical knowledge standards — Helicopter (single rotor class) category
| Unit code | Unit of knowledge |
| RBKH | RPA that is a helicopter — aeronautical knowledge and operation principles |
Appendix 5 Aeronautical knowledge standards — powered-lift category
| Unit code | Unit of knowledge |
| RBKP | RPA that is a powered-lift aircraft — aircraft knowledge and operation principles |
Appendix 6 Aeronautical knowledge requirement — RPA with a liquid-fuel system
| Unit code | Unit of knowledge |
| REFE | RPA with liquid-fuel system — knowledge |
Schedule 3 Directory for practical competency standards for a RePL training course
Appendix 1 Practical competency standards — Common units
| Unit code | Unit of practical competency |
| GEL | General English language proficiency |
| RC1 | Perform pre- and post-operation actions and procedures for RPAS |
| RC2 | Energy management for RPAS |
| RC3 | Manage crew, payload and bystanders for RPAS operation |
| RC4 | Navigation and operations of RPAS |
| RNT | Non-technical skills for operation of RPAS |
| RAF | Automated flight management systems for RPAS — operation |
Appendix 2 Practical competency standards — Aeroplane category
| Unit code | Unit of practical competency |
| RA1 | RPA that is an aeroplane — ground operation and launch |
| RA2 | RPA that is an aeroplane — normal operation |
| RA3 | RPA that is an aeroplane — land and recover |
| RA4 | RPA that is an aeroplane — advanced manoeuvres |
| RA5 | RPA that is an aeroplane — abnormal and emergency operations |
Appendix 3 Practical competency standards — Helicopter (multirotor class) category
| Unit code | Unit of competency |
| RM1 | RPA that is a multirotor — control on ground, launch, hover and landing |
| RM2 | RPA that is a multirotor — normal operations |
| RM3 | RPA that is a multirotor — advanced manoeuvres |
| RM4 | RPA that is a multirotor — abnormal situations and emergencies |
Appendix 4 Practical competency standards — Helicopter (single rotor class) category
| Unit code | Unit of competency |
| RH1 | RPA that is a helicopter — control on ground |
| RH2 | RPA that is a helicopter — launch, hover and landing |
| RH3 | RPA that is a helicopter — normal operation |
| RH4 | RPA that is a helicopter — advanced manoeuvres |
| RH5 | RPA that is a helicopter — abnormal situations and emergencies |
Appendix 5 Practical competency standards — powered-lift category
| Unit code | Unit of competency |
| RP1 | RPA that is a powered-lift category aircraft — control on ground, launch, hover and landing |
| RP2 | RPA that is a powered-lift category aircraft — transition to and from vertical flight |
| RP3 | RPA that is a powered-lift category aircraft — climb, cruise & descent |
| RP4 | RPA that is a powered-lift category aircraft — advanced manoeuvres |
| RP5 | RPA that is a powered-lift category aircraft — manage abnormal situations at altitude and near the ground |
Appendix 6 Practical competency standards — RPA with a liquid-fuel system
| Unit code | Unit of competency |
| RLF | Medium or large RPA with a liquid-fuel system — operation |
Schedule 4 Aeronautical knowledge units
Appendix 1 Any RPA — Common units
Unit 1 RBAK — Basic aviation knowledge for RPAS
| Item | Aeronautical knowledge topics | Priority |
| 1 | Direction of flight and wind (a) expressing direction of flight: (i) as a 3-figure group; (ii) in the clock code; (iii) as cardinal and ordinal compass points; (b) difference between aircraft heading and track; (c) wind velocity; (d) the relationship between true and magnetic heading. | A |
| 2 | Time (a) time as a 4, 6 and 8-figure group; (b) UTC; (c) converting local and standard time to and from UTC. | B |
| 3 | Units of measurement for aeronautics (a) differences between height, altitude and elevation; (b) units of measurement for: (i) horizontal distance; (ii) vertical distance; (iii) speeds; (iv) visibility; (v) temperature; (vi) atmospheric pressure; (vii) weight; (c) converting between different units of measurement. | A |
| 4 | Energy Aircraft energy, including: (a) potential energy; (b) kinetic energy; (c) inertia. | B |
| 5 | Aerodynamics, weight and balance (a) terminology: (i) aerofoil, angle of attack and relative airflow; (ii) centre of pressure and centre of gravity; (iii) lift, weight, thrust and drag; (b) “Bernoulli’s principal”, “Coandra effect” and “Newton’s third law”; (c) basic weight and balance principles; (i) empty weight; (ii) operating weight; (iii) maximum gross weight; (iv) arm, moment, datum, station and index unit; (v) centre of gravity limits; (vi) loading limits. | A |
| 6 | Lift and drag (a) changes to lift and drag resulting from: (i) airspeed changes; (ii) angle of attack changes; | B |
| (b) types of drag, including: (i) parasite (zero lift), form, interference and skin friction; (ii) induced (lift dependent). | C |
| 7 | Propellers and rotors (a) terminology; (b) blade angle, helix angle or pitch; (c) propeller/rotor thrust and torque; (d) propeller/rotor principles. | B |
| 8 | Principles of operation — flight control (a) longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes; (b) pitch, roll and yaw; (c) skid and slip; (d) effect of changes in power on vertical and horizontal speed; (e) relationship between control inputs and aircraft movements; (f) angle of climb and rate of climb; (g) trim controls. | A |
| 9 | Principles of operation — remote pilot station Features of a remote pilot station: (a) transmitter; (b) command and control link; (c) flight controls; (d) other controls; (e) antennas/aerials; (f) software, including firmware and updates; (g) telemetry; (h) non-payload communications; (i) power supply. | C |
Schedule 4 Aeronautical knowledge units
Appendix 1 Any RPA — Common units (contd.)
Unit 2 RACP — Airspace, charts and aeronautical publications for RPAS
| Item | Aeronautical knowledge topics | Priority |
| 1 | Airspace (a) classification of airspace; (b) airspace depiction on aeronautical charts, including: (i) flight information area; (ii) Class G airspace; (iii) controlled aerodromes; (iv) control area; (v) control zone; (vi) VFR route and lane of entry; (vii) prohibited areas; (viii) restricted areas; (ix) danger areas; (x) common traffic advisory frequencies and associated airspace; (xi) radio frequency boundaries; (c) airspace in relation to the circumstances in which an aeronautical radio qualification is required: (i) Air Traffic Control (ATC); (ii) in the vicinity of non-controlled aerodromes. | A |
| 2 | Obtaining information or approval (a) permissions for RPA operations in restricted areas; (b) aeronautical information publications, including: (i) AIP; (ii) ERSA; (iii) NOTAM. | A |
| 3 | NOTAMs (a) obtaining NOTAMs for operational areas; (b) decoding NOTAMs. | A |
| NOTAM publication (c) Submitting a NOTAM for publication. | C |
| 4 | Form of the earth, aeronautical charts and maps (a) features on an aeronautical chart (other than airspace); (b) cardinal and ordinal points of the compass; (c) latitude and longitude; (d) depiction of height and elevation on charts; (e) distance on the earth and in charts; (f) magnetic variation; (g) relationship between magnetic heading and magnetic bearing. | A |
| 5 | Electronic flight bag (a) electronic maps and charts; (b) CASA verified drone safety app. | C |