Commercial drone operators are to get more, and quicker, access to airspaces around airports. Photo: CASA
Commercial drone operators can now apply for access to more airspace at Broome, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Essendon, Hobart and Melbourne airports.
A streamlined approval process is part of an expansion of an Automated Airspace Authorisations Trial (AAAT) launched by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia in May 2021.
CASA Senior RPAS Specialist Will Whitelaw says the trial has already proven to be a gamechanger for the drone industry and airspace management.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward for Australia’s drone industry and airspace management,” he says.
“Extending and expanding the trial demonstrates our commitment to supporting safe and efficient drone operations while ensuring the safety of airspace for all users.”
The trial simplifies access to traditionally restricted airspace, including around some capital city airports and other locations, CASA says.
More than 1400 drone flights have been authorised.
Airservices Australia’s Head of Transformation Uncrewed Services, Luke Gumley, says expanding the trial to more locations is important part of a process to enable an Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system.
“The significant work and collaboration between Airservices and CASA … is testament to our joint commitment in ensuring the safe integration of thousands of drones into Australia’s complex airspace,” he said.
Chief remote pilots can apply for authorisations through CASA drone safety apps with approvals granted in near real-time for flight requests that have been submitted up to 30 days in advance.
Flights are limited to daylight using registered drones under 25 kilograms. Approved operations do not require prior notification to air traffic control or Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), reducing the administrative burden.
To qualify, operators need to hold a current remote pilot operator’s certificate (ReOC), and flight requests must meet strict conditions regarding location, altitude, and drone specifications and will have to be verified.
There is no cost to participate in the trial and no restrictions on the number of authorisations that can be granted.
Details about the trial, visit www.casa.gov.au
