I, steven JAMES campbell, Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards, a delegate of CASA, make this instrument under regulation 11.245 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
[Signed S. Campbell]
Steven Campbell
Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards
27 March 2025
CASA 20/25 – Operation of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets –Directions Instrument 2025
This instrument is CASA 20/25 – Operation of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets – Directions Instrument 2025.
2 Duration
The instrument:
(a) commences on 1 April 2025; and
(b) is repealed at the end of 31 March 2028; and
(c) thereby ceases to be in force on and from 1 April 2028.
Note Paragraph (c) is for the purposes of paragraph 11.250(a) of CASR.
3 Definitions
(1) In this instrument:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
rocket has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary and, for the purposes of this instrument, includes a firework projectile.
Note Rocket includes a firework rocket.
safety zone: see subsection 7(2).
unmanned aircraft means any of the following:
(a) a tethered, or any other kind of, balloon, or a kite;
(b) an unmanned free balloon;
(c) an RPA;
(d) a model aircraft.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), in this instrument, words and phrases have the same meaning as in Part 101 of CASR and the Act, unless the contrary intention appears.
4 Application
This instrument applies, according to its terms, to the operation of unmanned aircraft and rockets, other than operations mentioned in paragraphs 101.005(3)(b) and (c) of CASR.
Note Paragraphs 101.005(3)(b) and (c) of CASR refer to certain indoor operations, as defined, and are not affected by this instrument.
5 Directions relating to the operation of RPA or model aircraft higher than 400 ft AGL
(1) A person controlling an RPA or a model aircraft must not operate the aircraft higher than 400 ft AGL.
(2) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to the following:
(a) the operation of an RPA or a model aircraft in accordance with:
(i) an authorisation (however described) or exemption granted under CASR that permits operation of the aircraft higher than 400 ft AGL; or
(ii) the approval of an approved area under regulation 101.030 of CASR;
(b) the operation of an RPA by the holder of a remote pilot licence in accordance with the privileges and limitations associated with:
(i) the licence; and
(ii) the certification of the RPA operator that is conducting the operation;
(c) the operation of a model aircraft in accordance with a written approval given by CASA for the purposes of this paragraph.
6 Directions relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft or rockets over areas of public safety or emergency operations
(1) A person controlling an unmanned aircraft or a rocket must not operate the unmanned aircraft or rocket over an area (the relevant area) where a fire, police, or other public safety or emergency operation (the operation) is being conducted.
(2) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to the extent that the operation of the unmanned aircraft or rocket over the relevant area is approved, for the purposes of this subsection:
(a) in writing by CASA; or
(b) where necessary for the purposes of the operation — orally by the person in charge of the operation, provided that a record is made and retained containing appropriate details of the oral approval.
7 Directions relating to the operation of RPA or model aircraft near people
(1) A person controlling an RPA or a model aircraft must ensure that the aircraft is not operated in, or over, another person’s safety zone, unless the other person has duties essential to the control or navigation of the aircraft.
(2) For subsection (1), the other person’s safety zone is the notional cylindrical volume of airspace around the person that:
(a) rises from the ground or water surface (as applicable) that the person is on, or that the person is directly above; and
(b) has a constant horizontal radius of 30 m from the person’s position.
Note For the safety purposes of this instrument, there is no ceiling to the safety zone.
(3) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following:
(a) the operation of an RPA or a model aircraft if the person holds an approval given by CASA for the purposes of this paragraph;
(b) the operation of an RPA or a model aircraft in accordance with an authorisation (however called) or exemption granted under CASR that permits operation of the RPA or model aircraft less than 30 m from another person;
(c) if:
(i) the person is controlling an RPA that is an airship; and
(ii) the airship approaches no closer to the second person than 10 m horizontally and 30 ft vertically.
8 Directions relating to the operation of a single RPA or model aircraft
(1) A person controlling an RPA or a model aircraft must only operate 1 aircraft at a time.
(2) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to the following:
(a) the operation of a micro RPA or a model aircraft if the person holds an approval given by CASA for the purposes of this paragraph;
(b) the operation of an RPA, other than a micro RPA, in accordance with an authorisation (however called) or an exemption granted under CASR, granted for the purposes of this paragraph.
9 Directions relating to the operator of unmanned aircraft or rockets
The operator of an unmanned aircraft or a rocket must ensure that the person controlling the unmanned aircraft or rocket in an operation for the operator (the controller):
(a) complies with each applicable direction in this instrument that applies to the controller; and
(b) is familiar with, and follows, the operator’s approved practices and procedures designed to ensure such compliance.