Remote Pilot Licences (RePL) – The Requirements and Benefits You Need to Know
Skilled and qualified drone pilots have plenty of exciting career prospects in Australia. Deloitte estimates that increasing drone uptake will create 5,500 jobs every year to 2040 in industries including mining and agriculture, emergency services, infrastructure development, real estate, environmental science, defence, healthcare and logistics.
However, before you can pilot drones professionally in Australia, you need the right certification. That’s where a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) comes in. Whether you’re looking to launch a career as a drone pilot or expand your future opportunities, a RePL is essential.
What Is A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)?
A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is a certification issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that allows individuals to operate drones commercially. Unlike recreational and hobby flying, which is extremely limited, a RePL enables pilots to use drones for a wide range of purposes – and get paid.
Why is A RePL Important For Drone Pilots?
First and foremost, a RePL demonstrates that you’ve met CASA’s rigorous standards for drone operation. It shows that you have the training and knowledge to operate drones safely, legally and professionally.
But it’s about more than just flying. After obtaining your RePL, you can:
- Work for drone services companies.
- Take out insurance as a drone pilot.
- Promote yourself with the confidence of CASA certification.
- Continually expand your knowledge with advanced courses.
- Operate drones in restricted airspace, at night and beyond line of sight (all with adequate training and approvals.
Above all, holding a RePL is about building your profile as a responsible and qualified drone professional.
Penalties and Repercussions for Working Without a RePL
Operating a drone for commercial purposes without the appropriate certification violates CASA regulations. Doing so can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions:
- Fines up to $1,650 per offence.
- Restriction or cancellation of any existing accreditation, licence, or registration.
- Potential court summons, which could result in a criminal conviction, fines up to $16,500 and more severe flight restrictions.
- Criminal prosecution, including up to two years imprisonment in severe cases.
The good news is that a RePL does not expire and there is no minimum age requirement to apply.
Requirements for Obtaining a Remote Pilot Licence
Training and Certification Process
To obtain a remote pilot licence, you must complete training with a CASA-certified provider like Global Drone Solutions. Training includes theoretical and practical components:
- Theory: You must prove your knowledge of CASA rules and regulations, safe flying procedures, pre- and post-flight checks and a few other points, in a multiple-choice theory assessment.
- Practical: CASA requires you to log five hours of flight time for the base RePL and complete a practical skills assessment.
See the full list of certification requirements and course inclusions here.
Once you pass both assessments, your application can be submitted to CASA.
Depending on your goals, you might choose to undertake additional training alongside your RePL course. For example, you’ll need an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) to fly within 5.5km of restricted areas like airports.
Endorsements
While the standard RePL allows you to fly drones up to 7kg, you can earn endorsements that are added to your licence to expand weight capabilities. Endorsements require additional training and assessments.
For example, a Multi-Rotor 25kg Endorsement (MR25E) allows you to fly a drone up to 25kg. The MR25E is a short course that can be completed within a day, either alongside Remote Pilot Licence training or at a later date.
Additional endorsements are also possible to expand weight limits beyond 25kg or to fly different types of drones. For example, the Powered Lift Endorsement (PLE) permits pilots to fly Vertical Take-Off & Landing drones (VTOLs).
The Relationship Between RePL and ReOC
You might have seen “Remote Operator Certificate” or “ReOC” when researching commercial drone certifications. A ReOC is different to a RePL, but the two are closely related and pilots may require both, depending on their circumstances
Here is a quick explainer:
- A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) enables you to work as a drone pilot for an entity that holds a ReOC.
- A Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) permits you to run a business conducting drone operations, employing drone pilots who hold a RePL.
A ReOC also allows the holder to apply for permission to carry out complex operations, such as flying near people, at night, or beyond line of visual sight.
RePL holders must operate under a ReOC and may only carry out missions that comply with the conditions of that ReOC. If you plan to launch your own business or fly solo, you must apply for a ReOC.
Read more: What is a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC)?
The Benefits of Having a RePL
Ability to Fly Drones for Commercial Purposes
Whether you plan to pursue a career as a drone pilot or fly occasionally as part of your work, you need a valid RePL. As drones become more common in Australia’s key industries, a RePL could be an immensely valuable addition to your CV.
Obtain Insurance
Insurers generally won’t insure drone pilots without a RePL. Incidents can incur major costs, particularly if the drone in question causes damage to the pilot’s or someone else’s property.
Legal Compliance and Operational Safety
A RePL demonstrates to CASA, your clients and the company you fly for, that you take safety and compliance seriously. The combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience is essential for minimising risks and protecting your business.
Strong Flight Fundamentals
There is more to working as a drone pilot than being able to fly. RePL training (and the required CASA assessments) covers practical and adaptable techniques, emergency and risk management strategies, flight planning, drone maintenance and CASA regulations.
How to Get Started: Why Global Drone Solutions is the Place to Launch Your Career
As Australia’s most-awarded drone training provider, Global Drone Solutions is trusted by industry leaders like Rio Tinto, BHP and Western Power. Our CASA-certified courses are led by expert instructors using state-of-the-art equipment and you’ll receive bonus resources like our Drone Business Resource Kit (valued at over $3,000).
More importantly, we’re invested in your success. Our instructors take the time to understand your goals, assess your knowledge and equip you with the skills necessary to pass your assessments.
The drone industry is rife with opportunities for skilled and certified pilots. Global Drone Solutions will help you take full advantage, building career-ready skills and the confidence to take to the skies.
