Booking information
This course offers step-by-step guidance through all ReOC responsibilities, with flexible online or in-person delivery options. Upon completion, you’ll be fully prepared to submit your ReOC application and start operating as a certified drone service provider.
Please note: The ReOC authorisation does not grant permission to operate an RPA—you must hold or employ someone with a valid RePL.
Course includes
- Step-by-step support through the ReOC application process
- Flexible delivery options: online or classroom
- Expert guidance to help you establish and operate a compliant commercial drone business
- Comprehensive ReOC operations manual templates
- CASA lodgement fee included
Course information
This course is designed for individuals or organisations applying for a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) through CASA. Holding a ReOC enables you to employ certified remote pilots and operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) across various weight categories — including under 7kg, under 25kg, under 150kg, and over 150kg (with additional certification). As a ReOC holder, you will be responsible for developing operational manuals and procedures in compliance with CASA’s Part 101 Manual of Standards, ensuring all remote pilots within your organisation are properly trained, managing flight records and documentation, conducting all operations in accordance with CASA regulations, and registering RPAs prior to any flights.
Pricing per student
ReOC: $2,095
Also available in bundled packages with RePL, AROC, MR25E, and CRP
Unit of competency
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Implement threat and error management strategies
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Manage remotely piloted aircraft systems operations
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Operate aeronautical radio
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Complete a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
Why You Need a Commercial Drone Licence in Australia
If you want to transition from simply flying drones for recreational purposes to a position where you can make a career out of doing what you love, then you will need to obtain a commercial drone licence. This is a reasonably straightforward process that involves a mixture of practical and theory-based training in order to obtain an RePL (Remote Pilot Licence).
If you’re flying on your own land and using a drone under 2kg you may be able to go for an Operator Accreditation instead. Whatever weight your commercial drone is, it will need to be registered with CASA which lasts 12 months and prices vary by drone weight.
Holding an RePL or other accreditation is the first step in your career path as a commercial drone pilot, and once you have obtained it you will be qualified to fly a varied range of drone missions for payment and commercial purposes.
You need to ensure that the training provider you choose is accredited with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and that your drone is also registered with CASA. The Civil Aviation Authority enforces the rules and regulations that govern the use of drones, ensuring that safety and responsible operation is performed when using Australian airspace.
You need to familiarise yourself with these regulations and any specific rules for areas where you intend to fly, as national parks and cultural heritage sites may have alternative regulations to help protect them from any drone-related impacts. Read More
Commercial Drone Pilot Certification
A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is mandatory if you wish to fly drones commercially in Australia. The RePL itself is the base licence, and additional endorsements can be added depending on the weight and type of drone you intend to operate, for example, multirotor endorsements for drones under 7kg or up to 25kg. Professional drone licence training equips you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to operate drones safely and legally on a commercial basis.
CASA-licensed courses combine theory, practical learning, and assessment. At Global Drone Solutions, we make learning even simpler through our virtual classroom model, with two days of live online training via Zoom (accessible from anywhere) followed by one in-person day for theory and practical assessment.
For those who prefer a fully in-person experience, we also offer a classroom-based course that runs over five days and includes both theory and hands-on practical assessments.
Becoming a CASA-certified drone pilot means you’ll hold a nationally recognised Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), allowing you to work legally throughout Australia. Your licence will specify the drone weight categories you’re endorsed to operate.
All our courses are CASA-approved and delivered by expert instructors, covering everything from flight fundamentals to airspace regulations. When you complete your RePL course with us, you’ll graduate with a licence to fly multirotor drones up to 7kg, and can choose to add higher-level endorsements if you plan to operate heavier aircraft.
We currently offer four different training packages, tailored to the path you want your drone career to take. For example, our MR25e (Multirotor 25kg endorsement) course is ideal for those looking to fly drones up to 25kg, perfect for applications in agriculture, construction, and infrastructure inspection.
Do I Need a Drone Licence for Business Use?
At Global Drone Solutions we offer a range of different courses to suit different needs, industries and legalities. If you want to operate a drone commercially you need to hold a minimum of an RePL, and you can upgrade this with advanced courses that are also CASA accredited.
This will help to further advance your career and give you the edge when applying for jobs. There are also a number of other courses available for drone licences for business use, and these are based on whether you are training to be the pilot, or the person managing the team and the operation.
If your work is taking place near an aerodrome, or involving flights within a controlled airspace, then as the pilot you will require an additional certificate in order to operate that drone.
An AROC (Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate) is a licence that allows drone pilots to communicate effectively with air traffic control and other aircraft, using VHF air band radio to ensure safe and coordinated operations within the aviation environment.
A ReOC (Remote Operator Certificate) is required by companies or businesses that fly drones commercially and hire licensed drone pilots. The ReOC is held by a company or entity to allow them to conduct commercial operations.
Once you have obtained your certificate you will be responsible for the safety of all operations including the action of your pilots and other personnel. As a ReOC holder you will have specific permissions for operations such as flying at night, and you will be authorised to conduct other complex operations that may require certain permits or adherence to special procedures.
A CRP (Chief Remote Pilot) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business from the drone side, often required to sign off any operations and liaise between the business and CASA. You will need an RePL in order to become a CRP.
Specific UAV Operator Licence Requirements
A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is required by anyone in Australia operating drones for commercial purposes. If the drone is under 2kg, or heavier and flown only on your own land, you may be eligible for an ARP instead. While no license is currently required for recreational drone use, it’s important to note that any activity involving payment or commercial gain, even occasional jobs like wedding photography, requires proper licensing. Drones over 250g also typically need to be registered with CASA.
In order to obtain an RePL you need to have a basic understanding of English language skills and be medically fit. You need to obtain an ARN (Aviation Reference Number) from CASA and complete your practical and theoretical training with a CASA-approved training provider like Global Drone Solutions. It’s best practice to also have third-party liability insurance.
There isn’t an age limit for the license itself but commercial drones must also be registered and you can’t register one if you’re under 16, so you wouldn’t be able to make use of your license under this age.
Once you have your basic RePL certificate, or other appropriate accreditation, you will be able to fly drones commercially. You should then consider additional training in order to extend your knowledge and increase your skills. If you wish to own or manage a drone operation you will also need a ReOC.
Completing further training will give you a deeper understanding of the industry and will also open up additional opportunities for job progression and advancement. Get started by enrolling in one of our CASA-approved courses now.
