CASA Drone Licence Under 2kg: Fly Legally, Safely, and With Confidence

What Is a CASA Drone Licence Under 2kg?

First things first: not all drones require a full pilot licence. As of 2025, there are no licenses required for recreational drone use in Australia. For commercial use of a drone under 2kg you may not need a full RePL and can instead take a shorter course to achieve an Operator Accreditation.

That said, there are still rules you need to follow to stay on the right side of CASA. Even small drones used for work require the right accreditation and basic safety knowledge, so you can fly confidently without worrying about fines or accidents.

Essentially, it’s about being responsible while enjoying the freedom to use your drone for business or creative projects. Here’s what you need:

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operator Accreditation

Even if your drone is small, CASA wants to know who’s in charge if it’s used commercially. This involves:

• Getting an Aviation Reference Number (ARN). It’s a means of identifying your specific drone.

• Registering your drone with CASA so they know it exists. This registration is mandatory for commercial drones and may be needed for heavier recreational drones.

• Following CASA’s standard operating conditions, like keeping your drone within line of sight and away from people.

Benefits of Getting a Full Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) for Your Business?

Your drone might be under 2kg, but there are good reasons to get the RePL anyway:

• Flexibility: A RePL lets you do more than the standard rules allow. Fly a bit higher, further, or in areas your clients might want to capture footage.

• Job Opportunities: Some clients only hire licensed pilots because it protects their reputation. Imagine a well-known hot air balloon company hiring a drone operator to capture aerial photos, but the operator doesn’t know what they’re doing and accidentally crashes near an aircraft or a person. Not only could the operator get into serious trouble, but the client could also face reputational damage for not properly vetting their hire. So, if you want to turn your hobby into real income, getting licensed is definitely worth it.

• Confidence: You learn all the safety tips and legalities, so you don’t accidentally make headlines for the wrong reasons.

At Global Drone Solutions, we guide you through the RePL course step by step. By the end, you’ll know how to fly like a pro confidently and feel less overwhelmed by the rules.

What can you Legally do With a Drone Under 2kg?

These little machines are surprisingly versatile. Here are some ways people use them legally and safely:

• Aerial Photography & Videography: Capture your kid’s soccer game, your client’s wedding reception, or a stunning sunset.

• Inspections & Surveys: Check roofs, power lines, or construction sites without climbing a ladder. It’s safer for you and will save you a trip to your chiropractor.

• Agriculture: Farmers use drones to monitor crops, erosion and much more.

• Research & Education: Perfect for science projects, school assignments, or studying the birds.

Even small drones can do big things, but only if you operate them correctly.

How to Get Started

Getting off the ground legally is easier than you think when you take these steps:

1. Pick the Right Drone: Make sure it weighs 2kg or less and suits your plans.

1. Get Your ARN: Apply through CASA’s myCASA portal.

1. Register Your Drone: CASA likes to know who’s flying what, for business and personal use.

1. Get RPA Operator Accreditation: This proves you know the rules and are ready to fly responsibly.

1. Optional RePL Training: If you want more opportunities and to fly higher, enrol in a RePL course.

At Global Drone Solutions, we make these steps painless. We explain each step, help with forms, and give you hands-on training.

Why Choose Global Drone Solutions?

• We Have the Knowledge: Mahmood and Troy run the show. Between them, they’ve seen just about every drone scenario imaginable, from lost drones in trees to operators accidentally gatecrashing weddings.

• Tailored Training: Whether you’re a hobbyist or a company sending staff, we customise our courses to fit your needs.

• Nationwide Reach: We’re based in Perth, WA, but we train drone pilots all over Australia, online or in person.

• Award-Winning: We’re Australia’s leading drone training provider with over 30 industry accolades.

How We’ve Helped our Students

• Jane: She wanted to start her own drone photography business, but her drone was under 2kg and she felt overwhelmed by all the rules. We explained everything she needed to know, gave her practical training, and now she flies confidently, capturing stunning shots for real estate clients across Perth.

• Construction Company: We worked with a small business that needed a few licensed drone operators. We trained their staff, helped them get their CASA drone licences under 2kg, and now site inspections are faster, safer, and stress-free.

• Sarah: A wildlife enthusiast who loves photographing birds. She had a small drone but was nervous about accidentally disturbing wildlife or breaking the rules. With our guidance and her license, Sarah now captures incredible footage responsibly and even volunteers for a local wildlife protection charity.

Flying a drone under 2kg in Australia is easier than you might think, as long as you abide by the rules and get some training if you’re a beginner. Understanding the rules means you can focus on the fun bit; capturing amazing footage, and enjoying the thrill of flying, without worrying about getting into trouble.

At Global Drone Solutions, we make sure you fly smart, stay on the right side of the law, and enjoy flying your drone safely. Get in touch today, and let’s get your CASA drone licence under 2kg sorted so you can get to the skies.