- Yes, in limited circumstances. CASA’s Excluded Category allows certain commercial drone operations without a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).
- The Excluded Category includes very small RPA over 250g and under 2kg, and small RPA between 2kg and 25kg operated over land owned or controlled by the operator without payment for the operation.
- Standard operating conditions still apply, including a 120m height limit, 30m separation from uninvolved people and daylight visual line of sight flying.
- You may still need RPA operator accreditation, and drone registration is a separate requirement.
- Non-compliance can create legal and financial risk, affect insurance and damage your business credibility.
The commercial drone industry is rapidly growing in Australia, with businesses using drones for everything from aerial photography and real estate marketing to agriculture and surveying. As more people look to operate drones commercially, one of the most common questions is whether you can fly a drone for business without holding a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).
In some cases, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) allows commercial drone operations without an RePL. However, these operations are subject to specific conditions and limitations. Understanding the Excluded Category is essential before accepting paid drone work.
The Excluded Category Explained
The Excluded Category is a set of CASA classifications under which certain drones and operations can be flown commercially without a remote pilot licence, subject to conditions.
The Excluded Category includes:
- Very small RPA weighing more than 250g but less than 2kg.
- Small RPA weighing more than 2kg but less than 25kg when operated over land owned or controlled by the operator, without receiving payment for the operation.
Micro RPA weighing 250g or less are treated separately and can also be operated commercially without an RePL, provided the applicable requirements are followed.
The exact requirements depend on the drone, location and type of operation, so it is important to check which category applies before flying. If you are operating a lighter aircraft, our guide to the CASA drone licence under 2kg explains where the boundaries sit.
Standard Operating Conditions and Flight Restrictions
Even where an RePL is not required, the drone must still be operated safely and within CASA’s applicable operating conditions.
These conditions include:
- Do not fly over people, including sporting events, populated beaches, roads, cars or footpaths.
- Maintain at least 30 metres from people who are not involved in the operation.
- Operate only one RPA at a time.
- Do not fly above 120 metres above ground level.
- Maintain visual line of sight.
- Operate only during daylight hours unless you have the appropriate approval.
- Follow the applicable restrictions around controlled airports and other restricted areas.
These rules are designed to reduce risks to people, property and other aircraft. Full details are published on the CASA drones website.
Accreditation and Registration Requirements
While an RePL is not required for certain excluded category operations, commercial operators may still need to hold RPA operator accreditation.
Drone registration is also a separate requirement. Drones that meet CASA’s registration requirements must be registered before they are flown.
| Requirement | What it is | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| RePL | A licence issued to an individual remote pilot | Operations that require a licensed remote pilot and are not in an excluded category |
| RPA operator accreditation | Accreditation that may be required for certain operations | Commercial operators flying under certain excluded category conditions |
| Drone registration | Registration of the aircraft itself with CASA | Drones that meet CASA’s registration requirements, before they are flown |
Understanding the difference between an RePL, operator accreditation and drone registration is important when starting commercial drone operations.
Risks of Non-Compliance and Business Impact
Flying a drone commercially without meeting CASA’s requirements can result in penalties and other consequences.
Breaches such as operating in restricted airspace, flying without the required accreditation or exceeding applicable operating conditions can create legal and financial risks. They may also affect insurance coverage and damage the credibility of your business.
Understanding and following CASA’s requirements is therefore both a legal responsibility and an important part of running a professional drone business.
Why Licensing Becomes Important as Your Business Grows
Operating within the Excluded Category can provide an entry point for some commercial drone work, but its limitations can restrict the types of operations a business can undertake.
If your business wants to expand into operations that fall outside the Excluded Category, you may need a Remote Pilot Licence and an ReOC, depending on the operation. Additional approvals may also be required for activities such as night operations, BVLOS flights or operations in controlled airspace.
Many clients and industries also prefer or require appropriately licensed and qualified pilots for compliance, insurance and safety reasons.
For businesses looking to expand their capabilities, investing in the right training can open the door to greater commercial opportunities. At Global Drone Solutions, our drone courses are designed to help operators develop the skills and qualifications needed for professional and compliant drone operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone for business without a licence in Australia?
Yes, in limited circumstances. CASA’s Excluded Category allows certain commercial drone operations without an RePL, subject to conditions relating to the drone’s weight, the location and whether payment is received for the operation.
What is the Excluded Category?
The Excluded Category covers very small RPA weighing more than 250g but less than 2kg, and small RPA between 2kg and 25kg operated over land owned or controlled by the operator without payment for the operation. Micro RPA of 250g or less are treated separately.
Do I still need to register my drone if I do not need an RePL?
Drone registration is a separate requirement. Drones that meet CASA’s registration requirements must be registered before they are flown, regardless of whether an RePL is required.
What happens if I fly commercially without meeting CASA’s requirements?
Non-compliance can result in penalties and other consequences. It can create legal and financial risk, affect your insurance coverage and damage the credibility of your business.
