- An RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) is issued to an individual remote pilot. An ReOC (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate) is issued to a person or business operating a drone service.
- An RePL is generally required if you fly under someone else’s ReOC, or fly a drone over 25kg and up to 150kg over your own land under the landholder excluded category.
- An ReOC allows you to operate for hire or reward, employ licensed remote pilots and apply for approvals beyond standard operating conditions.
- An ReOC does not give you permission to fly. If you personally fly under your own ReOC, you will generally need both.
- Owning or flying a drone does not automatically mean you need either qualification. Recreational and certain excluded category operations can be conducted without them.
If you are searching for drone training in Australia, you will likely have come across the terms Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC). Both are important in the drone industry, but each serves a different purpose.
So what do you actually need?
The answer depends on the type and weight of your remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), where you are flying and the type of operation you are conducting. Here is what you need to know.
What is a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Who Needs It?
A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is a licence that allows an individual to operate certain types of remotely piloted aircraft. It is a personal qualification, not a business one, and not everyone who flies a drone needs one.
An RePL is generally required if:
- You want to operate as a remote pilot for a business or individual that holds an ReOC.
- You want to fly a drone weighing more than 25kg and up to 150kg over your own land under the landholder excluded category.
- You are conducting an operation that requires a licensed remote pilot and does not fall within an excluded category.
An RePL is not required for every commercial drone operation. For example, certain drones between 2kg and 25kg can be operated over your own land under the landholder excluded category, provided you meet the relevant requirements. Very small drones can also be operated without an RePL in certain circumstances.
In short, the requirements depend on the weight of your drone, where you are flying and how you are using it. If your pathway does point to a licence, the Remote Pilot Licence course combines the theory and practical flight training needed to apply to CASA.
Understanding the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) is a certificate that allows an individual or business to operate as a drone service provider for hire or reward, subject to the applicable requirements and approvals. It is granted to the operator, not the pilot.
An ReOC enables you to:
- Operate a drone service for hire or reward.
- Employ appropriately licensed remote pilots to conduct operations under your ReOC.
- Apply for approvals for more complex drone operations outside standard operating conditions.
An ReOC also carries ongoing responsibilities, including developing operational procedures, training remote pilots, maintaining required records and ensuring your operations comply with the law.
Importantly, an ReOC does not give an individual permission to fly a drone. If you intend to operate a drone under an ReOC, you will also need the appropriate RePL where one is required. Businesses building this capability often complete ReOC training alongside pilot licensing.
Key Differences: RePL vs ReOC Explained
Understanding the difference between an RePL and an ReOC helps you work out what your operation actually requires.
| Feature | RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) | ReOC (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it applies to | The individual remote pilot | The operator or business conducting the operation |
| Permission to fly | Yes, within the categories and conditions on the licence | No, it does not authorise an individual to fly |
| Operating for hire or reward | Not on its own in all cases | Allows drone services to be provided for hire or reward |
| Employing pilots | Not applicable | Allows appropriately licensed remote pilots to fly under the certificate |
| Complex operations | Additional endorsements may be required | Approvals can be sought for operations outside standard operating conditions |
| Ongoing obligations | Comply with licence conditions and CASA rules | Procedures, pilot training, record keeping and compliance oversight |
Put simply, your RePL is the licence for you as the remote pilot, while an ReOC relates to the operator or business conducting the drone operation.
- If you own a drone business operating under an ReOC and personally fly the drone, you will generally need both an ReOC for the business and an RePL for yourself as the remote pilot.
- If you employ other pilots to operate drones under your ReOC, those pilots will also need the appropriate RePL where required.
- You do not automatically need an RePL or ReOC simply because you own or fly a drone. Recreational flying and certain excluded commercial operations can be conducted without them, provided you meet the relevant requirements.
An ReOC organisation will also need a Chief Remote Pilot to oversee the safety and compliance of its drone operations.
Can You Fly Commercially With Only an RePL?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
For example, CASA allows a person with an RePL to fly a drone weighing more than 25kg but not more than 150kg over their own land without an ReOC, provided the requirements of the landholder excluded category are met.
This can be relevant to businesses and landholders using larger drones for activities such as agriculture, asset inspections, surveying or other operations on their own land.
However, if you are operating a drone service for customers for hire or reward, you may need an ReOC depending on the nature of your operation. You can review the current rules and categories on the CASA drones website before you commit to a training pathway.
How to Decide: Which Certification Fits Your Drone Business Goals?
Understanding the difference between an RePL and an ReOC is the first step to determining what you need. Use these three questions as a starting point:
- Are you operating a drone service for hire or reward? If so, an ReOC may be required, and you will also need the appropriate RePL if you personally fly as part of that business.
- Are you flying over your own land? Your requirements can be different depending on the drone’s weight and how you are operating it.
- Are you flying for someone else? If you are a pilot working under an ReOC holder, an RePL is generally required.
If you are unsure which drone licence or certification is right for you, Global Drone Solutions has you covered. Speak to our experts to understand the requirements relevant to your goals, then register for high-quality, flexible drone training.
You will receive hands-on flight training, industry-relevant knowledge and personalised support to give you the skills and confidence you need to take the next step in your drone career.
Take the first step towards achieving your drone business goals by viewing our drone courses today, or get in touch with the Global Drone Solutions team for personalised advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an RePL and an ReOC?
An RePL is a licence held by an individual remote pilot that allows them to operate certain types of remotely piloted aircraft. An ReOC is a certificate held by a person or business that allows drone services to be operated for hire or reward. The RePL covers the pilot, the ReOC covers the operator.
Do I need both an RePL and an ReOC?
You will generally need both if you run a drone business under an ReOC and personally fly the drone. The ReOC covers the business operation and the RePL covers you as the remote pilot.
Can I fly a drone commercially without an RePL in Australia?
Yes, in certain circumstances. Some commercial operations fall within an excluded category depending on the drone’s weight, the location and how it is operated. You still need to comply with CASA’s applicable requirements.
Does an ReOC let me fly a drone myself?
No. An ReOC does not give an individual permission to fly. If you intend to operate a drone under an ReOC, you will also need the appropriate RePL where one is required.
