CASA Approvals for Commercial Drone Operators

Your ReOC gets you started. The jobs that pay well usually need more. We get you the CASA approvals for BVLOS, EVLOS, night flights, over and near people and controlled airspace operations.

When standard ReOC conditions aren’t enough

Standard operating conditions cover routine, low-risk flying. Most high-value commercial work falls outside them. A night inspection, a site near an airport, a corridor survey beyond visual line of sight: each needs a specific CASA approval before you fly.

We understand that Chief Remote Pilots are busy and are often swamped in administrative work. At Global Drone Solutions, we can help complete applications for your business, saving you time and money.

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CASA Approvals We Handle

Australia Wide Approvals

Broad Area BVLOS Approval

An Australia-wide BVLOS approval for operations across large or remote areas, such as linear inspections, mapping, mining and agricultural work. Includes risk assessment, operational procedures and CASA liaison.

Enclosed BVLOS Approval

Flying inside mines, tanks, tunnels, sheds or other confined spaces where your pilot can’t keep the drone in sight? We help you get CASA approval for enclosed BVLOS operations. We prepare the risk assessment, procedures and manual updates so your team can carry out inspections safely and in line with the rules.

Operations Over and Near People (OONP) I/II

For events, construction sites, urban inspections and media work where standard separation distances can’t be met. We build the risk case and procedures to support your OANP approval.

Night Flights (NVLOS Approval)

Night visual line of sight approval for inspections, security, emergency response, events and filming after dark. We prepare the procedures, lighting and crew requirements CASA expects for night drone operations.

EVLOS (Extended Visual Line of Sight) Approval I/II

Fly beyond the pilot’s own sight using trained observers who keep the aircraft in view. EVLOS is often a practical step before full BVLOS and suits corridor, mining and agricultural work.

Site Specific Approvals

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) Approval

BVLOS approval for a specific site or project where the aircraft flies beyond the pilot’s sight. We prepare the site-specific risk assessment and procedures and manage CASA liaison.

Controlled Airspace and Operations Near Aerodromes

Approvals to operate within 3 nautical miles of a controlled aerodrome or inside controlled airspace, including coordination with Airservices Australia.

Operations Above 400 ft AGL

For tall structure inspections, towers, stacks and specialised survey work.

Operational Compliance Support

ReOC Applications

New ReOC applications for operators starting out or bringing drone work in-house.
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ReOC Changes: Significant and Insignificant

Changing your chief remote pilot, adding aircraft or amending your operations manual? Significant changes need CASA approval before you implement them. We identify which category your change falls into, prepare the documentation and manage the application, so your ReOC stays compliant.
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BARS Preparation

Working with mining or resources clients that require the Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS)? We review your operation against BARS requirements, close the gaps in your documentation and procedures, and prepare your team for audit.

Operations Manuals and Compliance Documentation

Writing and updating operations manuals, risk assessments and procedures so they meet current CASA requirements.

How It Works

1. Assess your operation

We review your aircraft, crew, sites and the work you want to do, from BVLOS corridors to night flights, then confirm exactly which approvals you need.

2. Map the approval pathway

We give you a clear plan covering the right approval type, the documentation required and a realistic timeframe.

3. Prepare the documentation

Risk assessments, operational procedures, manual amendments and supporting evidence, written to the standard CASA expects.

4. Manage the application through to approval

We lodge it, handle CASA’s questions and requests for information, and stay on it until the approval is issued.

Why Operators Choose Global Drone Solutions

10+ years in commercial drone operations. We fly the same kinds of jobs we help you get approved.

A CASA-approved training provider. We work within the regulatory framework every day, so we know what CASA looks for and where applications fall down.

End-to-end support. From the first assessment to the approval landing in your inbox, plus training for your crew to operate under it.

Multi Rotor 7kg-25kg Endorsement

Trusted By Major Australian Organisations

Water Co
Bhpbilliton
Woodside
Fortescue
Channel7logo

Who We’ve Worked With

We have worked supported clients from many industries to expand their operations.

We Work With:

  • Drone service providers expanding into BVLOS, EVLOS, night flights or OANP work
  • Mining, resources and energy operators running in-house drone programs
  • Utilities and infrastructure owners
  • Survey, mapping and inspection companies
  • Media, events and production companies
  • Agricultural and aerial seeding operators
  • New operators applying for their first ReOC
Department of Defence logo
Public Transport Authority logo
Department for Infrastructure and Transport South Australia logo
McDonald Surveys logo
Silverstone Surveys logo
Shire of Esperance logo
BMT Commercial logo
Department of Defence logo
Public Transport Authority logo
Department for Infrastructure and Transport South Australia logo
McDonald Surveys logo
Silverstone Surveys logo
Shire of Esperance logo
BMT Commercial logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with operators outside Western Australia?

Yes. We support operators across Australia.

How long does a CASA approval take?

It depends on the approval type and complexity. Simpler approvals can take weeks; BVLOS and complex operations can take several months. A complete, well-prepared application is the biggest factor in avoiding delays.

Do I need a ReOC before applying for these approvals?

In most cases, yes. If you don’t have one yet, we can manage your ReOC application at the same time.

Is NVLOS the same as a night flying approval?

Yes. NVLOS (night visual line of sight) is CASA’s term for flying a drone at night while keeping it in sight.

What’s the difference between EVLOS and BVLOS?

Under EVLOS, trained observers keep the aircraft in sight even when the pilot can’t. Under BVLOS, no one in the crew has direct sight of the aircraft, so the approval requires a more detailed risk assessment and procedures.

What’s the difference between a significant and an insignificant change to a ReOC?

A significant change affects how your operation is controlled or run safely and needs CASA approval before it takes effect. An insignificant change can be made without prior approval but still has to be handled under your manual’s change process. If you’re unsure which applies, we’ll assess it for you.

Can you guarantee CASA will approve my application?

No one can guarantee a CASA decision. What we can do is make sure your application is complete, well justified and aligned with CASA’s requirements, which gives it the best possible chance.

Can my pilots be trained for the new operation?

Yes. As a CASA-approved training provider, we can deliver the crew training your approval requires.

Ready to take on bigger jobs?

Tell us about the work you want to do and we’ll tell you which approvals you need, what’s involved and how long it should take.

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