CASA Australia Drone Rules: Registration, Licensing, and FPV Requirements
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has implemented a structured drone regulatory system that balances safety with accessibility for recreational FPV pilots. Whether you are flying a Tiny Whoop in your backyard or a 7-inch long-range quad in the Outback, understanding CASA requirements is essential for staying legal Down Under.
The Two Categories: Excluded vs. Non-Excluded Operations
CASA divides all drone flights into two main operational categories:
Excluded Category: This covers most recreational and lower-risk commercial operations. Requirements include flying a drone under 25kg, in visual line of sight, below 120 meters (400 feet) AGL, at least 30 meters from people, and away from controlled airspace near airports. No remote pilot license (RePL) or remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate (ReOC) is required. Most FPV hobby flights fall here.
Non-Excluded (Licensed) Category: Any operation that does not meet all Excluded criteria — including flights over 120m, closer than 30m to people, beyond visual line of sight, or in controlled airspace — requires a RePL or ReOC, or an exemption from CASA.
Registration: Mandatory for All Drones Over 250g
Since January 2021, all drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with CASA. Registration is simple and inexpensive: $40 for recreational operators, covering up to 12 months and all drones owned by that operator. Registration for an individual covers their entire fleet — no need to register each drone separately.
Drones under 250g are exempt from registration, which makes micro drones particularly appealing for casual FPV pilots. However, even sub-250g drones must follow all safety rules, including distance requirements from people and airports.
Accreditation: The Free Online Course
All recreational drone pilots — regardless of drone weight — must complete the CASA Drone Safety Accreditation. This is a free, online course and quiz available through the CASA drone portal. The accreditation covers basic safety knowledge, airspace rules, privacy guidelines, and operational restrictions. It takes roughly 15-20 minutes and must be renewed every three years.
The accreditation is mandatory even for sub-250g drone pilots, a requirement that distinguishes Australia from the United States where sub-250g drones face minimal federal scrutiny.
FPV-Specific Rules: The Visual Observer Requirement
Like most jurisdictions, CASA requires that pilots maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with their drone at all times. For FPV pilots flying with goggles, this means a visual observer is mandatory under Standard Operating Conditions. The observer must:
- Stand alongside the pilot and maintain unaided visual contact with the drone
- Communicate directly with the pilot without radio or electronic aids
- Alert the pilot to approaching hazards, other aircraft, or people entering the area
- Not be responsible for observing more than one drone at a time
Solo FPV flying without an observer is technically not permitted under the Excluded category. Pilots wishing to fly solo FPV would need to apply for a specific exemption or operate under a ReOC with BVLOS approval — a significant hurdle for recreational users.
Where You Can and Cannot Fly
CASA provides two key tools for checking flight locations:
OpenSky: A free mobile app (iOS and Android) that shows controlled airspace, restricted areas, and prohibited zones. It uses your phone’s GPS to confirm whether your location is safe for Excluded category operations.
Can I Fly There?: A web-based tool on the CASA website for pre-flight planning. It shows the same airspace data and also indicates nearby aerodromes, helipads, and temporary restricted zones.
Key no-fly zones include: within 5.5 km of controlled airports, over populous areas, within 30 meters of people not involved in the operation, over emergency operations (fires, accidents), and over marine parks and national parks (check state regulations).
Privacy and State Laws
In addition to federal CASA regulations, Australian FPV pilots must navigate state-based privacy and surveillance laws. While Australia lacks a single comprehensive privacy statute for drone use, several states have enacted specific provisions:
- New South Wales: Surveillance Devices Act regulates the use of optical devices to record private activities
- Victoria: Similar surveillance legislation applies, particularly in residential areas
- Queensland: Peace and good behaviour provisions can be used against intrusive drone flights
Pilots should avoid recording identifiable individuals without consent, particularly in settings where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as backyards, windows, or private gatherings.
Insurance Considerations
While third-party liability insurance is not mandated by CASA for recreational pilots, it is strongly recommended. Several Australian insurers offer drone-specific policies, and membership organizations like the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) and the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA) provide insurance as part of their membership benefits. A typical policy covers $10-20 million AUD in public liability for annual premiums of $100-150.
Penalties and Enforcement
CASA has demonstrated increasing willingness to enforce drone regulations. Penalties for breaching the rules can be severe: up to $11,100 AUD per offence for individuals and up to $55,500 for corporations. CASA inspectors have the authority to enter premises, inspect equipment, and demand production of registration and accreditation certificates. In 2025, CASA conducted targeted enforcement blitzes at popular flying sites and public events.
Practical Tips for Australian FPV Pilots
- Complete the accreditation — it is free, fast, and legally required for all pilots
- Register if your drones exceed 250g — $40 covers your entire fleet for a year
- Always fly with a spotter when using FPV goggles
- Use OpenSky before every flight to confirm your location is clear
- Consider joining MAAA for insurance coverage and access to approved flying sites
Australia’s CASA framework is reasonable and well-documented. FPV pilots who take the time to complete accreditation, register their drones, and fly responsibly will find Australia offers incredible locations for the hobby — from coastal cliffs to vast open landscapes — with a regulatory system designed to keep everyone safe.
Sources: CASA Part 101 (UAS), CASA.gov.au, OpenSky app, MAAA.asn.au