CASA Australia Drone Laws: FPV and Remote Pilot Guidelines 2026

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governs all drone operations under Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR). For FPV (First Person View) drone pilots, the Australian regulatory landscape offers a unique blend of structure and flexibility. This 2026 guide provides a comprehensive overview of what Australian FPV enthusiasts need to know to fly legally and safely.

Excluded vs. Non-Excluded Category: The Sub-250g Advantage

CASA divides drone operations into two fundamental categories based on weight. Understanding this distinction is essential for FPV pilots.

Excluded Category (Sub-250g)

Drones weighing less than 250 grams are classified as excluded RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft). These drones enjoy the most relaxed regulatory framework:

• No registration required
• No pilot accreditation required (for recreational use)
• May fly closer than 30 meters to people (but not over crowds)
• May fly in controlled airspace near non-controlled airports in some cases (check CASA-approved apps)

For FPV pilots, this makes micro quads (toothpick builds, 2.5-inch, and lightweight 3-inch drones) a highly attractive option. A well-built 3-inch FPV quad can easily stay under 250g while delivering excellent flight performance and HD video capability. Pilots must still follow the Standard Operating Conditions (see below), but the administrative overhead is minimal.

Non-Excluded Category (Over 250g)

Drones weighing 250g to 25kg fall into the regulated category and require:

• RPA registration with CASA ($40 AUD, renewed annually)
• Remote pilot license (RePL) or excluded category operator accreditation
• Flyer ID displayed on the drone
• Minimum 30 meters horizontal distance from people

Most 5-inch FPV freestyle drones and cinema rigs exceed 250g and fall squarely into this category. The registration process is done through the CASA myCASA portal, where you’ll receive a unique Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and drone registration identifiers.

Standard Operating Conditions: The 8 Golden Rules

All drone pilots — regardless of drone weight — must comply with CASA’s Standard Operating Conditions. These are Australia’s “drone rules” and apply to every flight:

1. Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 feet) Above Ground Level
2. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Must keep the drone within visual line of sight at all times
3. Distance from people: At least 30 meters horizontal distance (does not apply to sub-250g drones)
4. Only one drone at a time: One pilot, one drone per flight
5. Airport safety: No flying within 5.5 km of a controlled airport
6. No flight over populous areas: Cannot fly over crowds, beaches, parks, or sports ovals where people are present
7. No flight near emergency operations: Keep clear of bushfires, police operations, and emergency response areas
8. Daylight only: No night flying without appropriate certification and lighting

FPV Flying and the Observer Requirement

The VLOS requirement (Rule 2) is the primary regulatory challenge for FPV pilots. CASA interprets VLOS as meaning the pilot must be able to see the drone with their own eyes (unaided, except for prescription glasses). Flying with FPV goggles blocks line of sight, which means a visual observer (spotter) is legally required whenever goggles are used.

The observer must:

• Maintain direct visual contact with the drone throughout the flight
• Stand beside the pilot and be able to communicate directly (no radios over short distances)
• Be capable of alerting the pilot to hazards or potential conflicts with other aircraft
• Not also be operating another drone simultaneously

This is nearly identical to the observer requirement under EASA and Transport Canada rules. The Australian FPV community has adapted well to this requirement, and organized flying events typically have designated spotters for each pilot.

RePL and ReOC: When You Need More Than Basic Accreditation

For pilots flying drones over 2kg commercially, or conducting operations outside the Standard Operating Conditions, CASA offers two higher-tier certifications:

Remote Pilot License (RePL)

The RePL is a professional pilot license for drone operators. It’s required for pilots flying under a ReOC (see below) and involves both theoretical training and practical flight assessment. For most recreational FPV pilots, the RePL is unnecessary — it’s targeted at commercial operators conducting surveying, inspection, or aerial photography for hire.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

A ReOC is the business-level certification that allows an organization to conduct drone operations commercially. ReOC holders can apply for CASA approvals to operate outside Standard Operating Conditions (such as flying closer than 30m to people, night operations, or Beyond Visual Line of Sight). FPV racing organizations and commercial cinema drone companies typically hold ReOCs for their specialty operations.

Airspace Awareness: CASA-Approved Apps

CASA mandates that pilots check airspace restrictions before every flight, and strongly recommends using one of their approved drone safety apps:

• OpenSky: CASA’s official app, free, interactive map showing no-fly zones, controlled airspace, and temporary restrictions
• AirMap: Third-party app with flight planning features and airspace overlays
• Drone Complier: Provides site-specific risk assessments for commercial operations

These apps overlay controlled airspace boundaries, helipads, aerodromes, and restricted areas on a map, allowing pilots to verify that their intended flying site is legal. Many FPV pilots integrate airspace checks into their pre-flight routine — it takes under a minute to verify a location.

Penalties and Enforcement

CASA enforcement of drone regulations has increased steadily since 2020. Penalties for violations include:

• On-the-spot fines: Up to $1,565 AUD per offense for individuals
• Court-imposed penalties: Up to $13,320 AUD for serious or repeat violations
• Criminal prosecution: In cases where drone operations endanger aircraft safety (potential imprisonment)

CASA employs drone detection technology at major events and airports, and the public can report drone incidents through the CASA website. Enforcement officers have the authority to request proof of registration and accreditation at flying sites.

FPV Racing and Community Organizations

Australia has a vibrant FPV racing community, supported by organizations like FPV Australia and local racing chapters. These organizations often work with CASA to secure event-specific approvals that accommodate FPV racing requirements (such as courses within 30m of spectators, managed under a safety case). Joining a local FPV group is one of the best ways to stay informed about regulatory changes and access organized flying events.

CASA’s approach to drone regulation in Australia strikes a reasonable balance between safety and accessibility. For FPV pilots, the practical pathway is clear: fly sub-250g where possible to minimize administrative overhead, always use a spotter when wearing goggles, register your over-250g drones, and check airspace before every session. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be flying legally in the Land Down Under.

Sources: CASA Part 101 CASR, CASA Advisory Circular AC 101-10, CASA Drone Safety Rules (casa.gov.au/drones), FPV Australia Community Guidelines. Last verified: June 2026.