The drone industry in Australia is evolving rapidly, and one of the fastest-growing segments is the medium category, which covers drones weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg. These larger aircraft play a key role in agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, emergency services and environmental monitoring.
With CASA’s new Medium Category Training Initiative, the process for expanding training capabilities has become significantly faster and more efficient. At Uncrewed Aviation, we are excited to announce that we can now train and endorse more aircraft than ever before, helping operators stay ahead of both regulatory requirements and industry growth.
CASA's new Medium Category Training Initiative speeds up the process for training organisations who already have medium category RPA on scope to add new aircraft. The Chief Remote Instructor no longer requires a CASA flight test and type rating to add new RPA to their scope, provided the new RPA meets the same safety case. This change shortens the process from six months to just a few weeks, allowing new aircraft to be approved and delivered to pilots much faster.
What the CASA Updates Mean for Operators and Training Organisations
This simplified process now means training organisations can start licensing pilots as soon as new RPA land on Australian shores.
This is becoming increasingly important to ensure operators hold the Type Rating for any of the new RPAs.
As the industry is evolving, more manufacturers are entering the market with new models being released every 18 months or so. CASA’s new initiative will help operators stay compliant by eliminating the delay in obtaining their new Type Ratings.
Other important updates include:
- Updated Part 101 to make regulations easier to understand
- New exemptions for training organisations, effective from October 2025, outlining pathways for obtaining medium RePLs or upgrading from small category RePLs
- Additional support for ReOC holders applying for approvals involving medium category aircraft
- A growing list of aircraft that are approved and capped within the medium category, such as the DJI AGRAS T100 at 149.9 kg
Expanding Our Medium Category Training Fleet
With the approval process now significantly reduced, we can deliver medium category type training and endorsements on a growing list of industry-leading aircraft. Essentially, once the RPA hits Australian soil, we can add it to our training ReOC and help get your operations off the ground!
Our current fleet includes:
These platforms are driving the growth of medium category operations in Australia, particularly in agriculture, logistics and heavy-lift aerial applications. By expanding our type rating capabilities, we can support more pilots and operators as they upgrade or diversify their drone fleets.
Why Medium Category Training Matters
Medium category drones bring significant advantages to commercial operations:
- Higher payload capacity for spraying, lifting and data collection
- Longer flight times and greater efficiency across large areas
- Advanced sensors and automated flight capabilities
- Increased operational flexibility across multiple industries
These benefits come with greater responsibility. Operating medium category RPAs requires specific training, type endorsements and ReOC approvals. CASA’s new initiative removes unnecessary delays and gives operators a much faster pathway to stay up to date with new aircraft models.
Our Training and Endorsement Process
Our training programs are designed to meet CASA’s standards and give pilots practical, real-world skills.
While you can op to go straight into your Type Rating, we find most students schedule in for training with us as well to help iron out all their processes before their Type Assessment.
Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility and Prerequisites Hold or be working toward a RePL. You must have your RePL before you begin training and before your Type rating can be added. Basic operational and safety knowledge.
- Ground Training System architecture, performance, safety, and compliance
- Flight Training Hands-on flying, operational scenarios and emergency procedures
- Type Endorsement Flight test and systems assessment with a qualified instructor. CASA type endorsement issued
- Ongoing Support Guidance for ReOC variations and operational documentation. Refresher training and recurrent checks
We can train pilots on their own aircraft or work with some of our partners across the country to organise an aircraft hire.
We offer training at multiple locations around Australia, so let’s find the location closest to you!
Have a few pilots needing type ratings? We can even come to you if the numbers allow.
Keeping Up with CASA Regulations
As CASA continues to refine drone regulations, staying current is essential for compliance. This includes:
- Reviewing CASA’s Part 101 updates and exemption instruments
- Ensuring your ReOC includes any new platforms you operate
- Logging training and endorsement records accurately
- Completing recurrent checks to maintain operational standards
Because training organisations can now add new aircraft more quickly, pilots no longer have to wait months to access training on new models. This gives operators a real advantage in a fast-moving industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Medium Category Drones
With more aircraft being certified in the medium category and faster pathways for training and endorsement, Australia’s drone industry is entering an exciting new stage.
This growth is especially relevant for industries such as:
- Agriculture, where drones are supporting high-capacity spraying and mapping
- Mining and infrastructure, where inspections and payload operations are becoming standard practice
- Emergency services, where drones assist with logistics and rapid response
- Environmental monitoring, where large-scale surveying is essential
At Uncrewed, we can assist any new importers when preparing to launch in Australia. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that pilots can start becoming licensed as soon as your new model lands in Australia. This creates a smoother entry to market, reduces downtime, and gives operators the chance to access training and endorsements right away.
By investing in training early, operators can stay compliant and be among the first to work with new drone models as they enter the Australian market.
Ready to Train on Medium Category Drones?
If you are looking to step up from small category operations or expand your existing ReOC with new platforms, our team can help you get there quickly and efficiently.
We also offer tailored training packages for existing companies who are updating their fleet to the latest technology.
Whether you’re bringing in a single new aircraft or rolling out a larger upgrade, we can deliver Type Rating training at your location, offer group discounts, and work outside of our standard training calendar to meet your operational timelines.
👉 Contact us to book your medium category type training and endorsement.
Let’s get you flying with confidence and in full compliance on some of the most capable drones available today.
