Introduction
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has developed one of the world’s most accessible drone regulatory frameworks. From the streamlined operator accreditation system to the pragmatic sub-250g rules, CASA has struck a balance between safety and accessibility that other regulators are studying closely.
This guide covers everything Australian FPV pilots need to know about CASA regulations in 2026, including the excluded category, standard operating conditions, registration, and recent updates.
The Two-Tier System
Excluded Category
Most recreational FPV flying falls under the Excluded Category, which has minimal regulatory burden. To fly in the Excluded Category, you must:
- Fly a drone weighing under 25kg (all typical FPV quads qualify)
- Keep your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Fly below 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level
- Stay at least 30 meters from people not involved in your operation
- Not fly over or above people at any height
- Keep at least 5.5 km from controlled airports
- Fly only in daylight (not at night)
- Fly only one drone at a time
- Not fly over populous areas (crowds, beaches, parks with people)
ReOC (Remote Operator Certificate) — Commercial Operations
For commercial FPV work, you need a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) issued by CASA. This covers everything from real estate photography to agricultural surveying. ReOC holders can apply for approvals to fly beyond the Excluded Category limits (night operations, BVLOS, closer to people, etc.).
Operator Accreditation
Regardless of whether you fly recreationally or commercially, all drone operators must hold an operator accreditation from CASA. The good news: it’s free, online, and takes about 30 minutes.
Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete the free CASA online accreditation course
- Pass the short knowledge quiz
- Receive your unique Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
- Accreditation is valid for 3 years and must be renewed
Drone Registration
As of 2026, CASA requires registration for drones flown:
- Recreationally: Drones weighing 250g or more must be registered. Cost: free for recreational use
- Commercially: All drones regardless of weight must be registered. Cost: $40 per drone per year
- Sub-250g recreational: Exempt from registration — one of the most FPV-friendly policies globally
Registration is done through the myCASA portal. You’ll receive a unique registration number that must be displayed on the drone.
FPV-Specific Rules
CASA’s approach to FPV flying is refreshingly pragmatic compared to some regulators. The key requirement: you must fly within visual line of sight. For FPV pilots, this means a competent observer must maintain visual contact with the drone. CASA does not specify a maximum distance between pilot and observer — only that they must be able to communicate effectively.
However, CASA is strict on one point: solo FPV without a visual observer is illegal unless you have a specific exemption (typically only available to commercial ReOC holders with approved procedures).
Sub-250g Drones: Australia’s FPV Sweet Spot
Australia’s sub-250g rules are among the most permissive in the world:
- No registration required (recreational)
- No operator accreditation required (though CASA recommends it)
- Can fly closer than 30m to people (but not over them)
- Airport distance rule relaxed — but still must not create a hazard to aviation
- Most of the standard Excluded Category rules still apply (VLOS, 120m altitude, etc.)
This has made sub-250g FPV builds incredibly popular in Australia. A 2.5-inch or 3-inch quad with a Walksnail Nano or DJI O3 Lite sits comfortably under 250g and can be flown in parks that would be off-limits to larger drones.
Remote ID in Australia
As of 2026, Australia has not implemented Remote ID for drones. CASA has been monitoring international developments and has indicated that an Australian Remote ID framework is under development, likely aligned with the ASTM International standard. No implementation date has been announced, but industry observers expect movement in 2027-2028.
Flying in National Parks
This is a frequent pain point for Australian FPV pilots. National parks in Australia are managed by state governments, not CASA, and most states prohibit drone use in national parks without a permit. Key rules by state:
- NSW: Drones prohibited in all national parks without permit
- Victoria: Drones prohibited without permit, some parks have designated flying areas
- Queensland: Generally prohibited, permits available for commercial work
- Western Australia: Prohibited without permit
- South Australia: Some parks permit drone use, check local rules
- Tasmania: Prohibited in most national parks
Always check the specific park’s rules before flying. Penalties for unauthorized drone use in national parks range from $300 to $3,300.
Insurance
Public liability insurance is mandatory for commercial drone operations in Australia. For recreational pilots, it’s strongly recommended but not legally required. The Australian Model Flying Association (MAAA) includes insurance with membership ($120/year), covering public liability up to $25 million. Standalone drone insurance from providers like Coverdrone and QBE is available for $200-$800 annually.
Recent and Upcoming Changes
In 2026, CASA has been consulting on several regulatory updates relevant to FPV pilots:
- Micro-drone class: Formalizing the sub-250g category with clearer rules
- BVLOS framework: Streamlined approvals for beyond visual line of sight operations, potentially benefiting long-range FPV
- Drone registration fee restructure: Consultation on fees for recreational registration (currently free)
- Remote ID roadmap: Industry consultation on timing and technical standards
Sources: CASA Part 101 (Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets) Manual of Standards, CASR Part 101, CASA Drone Safety Rules, CASA Advisory Circular AC 101-10, myCASA portal.