Why do I need a Drone License?

This is by far the question we get asked the most. Let's explore the basics of drone licensing and why you need it.

In Australia, drone usage has skyrocketed in recent years — from hobbyists capturing sweeping landscape shots to commercial operators conducting essential tasks in industries like agriculture, infrastructure, and emergency services. But with the growing number of drones in our skies comes the need for regulation, training, and certification. This blog explores why you might need a drone license, the rules that govern drone use in Australia, and how you can get started with the right training.

Why Are Drone Rules and Regulations Important?

Drones, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), are powerful tools — but they also pose risks if not operated safely. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) oversees drone operations to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of Australia’s airspace. The rules are designed to protect not only people and property on the ground but also manned aircraft sharing the skies.

Whether you're flying recreationally or commercially, understanding and following CASA’s rules is critical. These rules cover altitude limits (no higher than 120m), maintaining visual line of sight (VLOS), keeping away from people and airports, and respecting others' privacy.

Equally important is ensuring you have permission to fly in the location you’ve chosen. Whether you're on private land, in a local park, or near a coastline, it’s essential to confirm you’re allowed to operate there. Some areas managed by local councils, state governments, or national parks may have restrictions or require permits, and flying without proper approval can result in fines or legal action.

If you’re unsure of CASA’s regulations or how they apply to your situation, we offer courses designed to help you understand and comply with all relevant drone laws.

Who Needs a Drone License?

Whether you need a drone license depends largely on why you're flying and the weight of your drone.

Recreational Use:

Commercial Use (Sub-2kg):

If you’re using a drone commercially and it weighs less than 2kg, you can operate under CASA’s excluded category. You don’t need a Remote Pilot License (RePL), but you must notify CASA before your first flight.

Examples:

Real estate agents capturing aerial property photos
Freelance videographers offering basic drone footage to clients
Social media content creators earning income through drone videos

Commercial Use (Over 2kg):

At Uncrewed Aviation Australia, we offer several course packages to help you obtain your RePL, with options that also include the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) and Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), depending on your goals.

Have a look at our courses on offer here.

What Is a Remote Pilot License (RePL)?

The RePL is the primary license for commercial drone pilots in Australia. It certifies that you have been trained in safe and legal drone operation and are qualified to fly drones commercially.

A standard RePL covers drones up to 7kg.
Additional endorsements are available for drones up to 25kg and for operating at night.

Whether you're an individual looking to start a new career or a business wanting to upskill your team, we have a RePL course to suit your needs. Our flexible training models include online theory and in-person flight training across Australia.

What Is the AROC, and Who Needs It?

The Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) is another important piece of the puzzle. This certificate is required if you intend to operate in controlled airspace and need to communicate with air traffic control (ATC).

Many RePL holders also get their AROC to enable more flexibility in where they can fly — especially beneficial for those operating near airports or in complex environments.

What Is a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC)?

While an RePL licenses an individual to fly drones commercially, a ReOC licenses a business or entity to conduct commercial drone operations.

If you're starting a drone business or want to operate under your own company name, you'll need a ReOC.
ReOCs are required for applying for operational approvals from CASA, such as flying in restricted zones or operating multiple drones at once.
If you are flying under someone else's ReOC, you don’t need one of your own.

We offer ReOC packages that include all necessary training (RePL, AROC, 25kg/night endorsement) and full assistance with your CASA ReOC application, including Chief Remote Pilot training.

When Do You Need to Operate Under a ReOC?

You DO need a ReOC:

If you’re conducting commercial flights (any flights for financial gain) and you're the business entity providing the service.

Starting your own drone services business
You're launching a commercial drone operation offering aerial photography, inspections, or mapping — you need a ReOC to operate legally under your business name.
Spraying crops on other people’s farms
You’re offering aerial spraying services with a drone — even with a RePL, a ReOC is needed because the operation is for hire on someone else's land.
Conducting infrastructure inspections under contract
You've won a tender to perform bridge or powerline inspections for a council or utility provider — a ReOC is required for this commercial work.
Running a team of drone pilots
Your business hires multiple pilots or contractors to fly drones — a ReOC allows you to oversee and manage operations legally.
Flying in complex airspace with special CASA approvals
You need to apply for permissions to fly close to airports, over populated areas, or at night — a ReOC is necessary to request these approvals.

You DO NOT need a ReOC:

If you’re flying commercially (for financial gain) under an employer or organisation that already holds a valid ReOC.

Freelancing under someone else's ReOC
You're a licensed RePL holder doing work for a company that has a ReOC — you can fly under their certification without needing your own.
Flying for fun or hobby purposes
You're using your drone recreationally — no ReOC required (as long as you're under 2kg and follow standard conditions).
Operating commercially under the sub-2kg excluded category
You’re using a drone that weighs under 2kg for paid real estate photos or promo videos — you don’t need a ReOC, just notify CASA and follow the excluded category rules.
Agricultural operations on your own land
You're using a drone to spray crops or map paddocks on your own farm — the landholder exemption means no ReOC is required.
Working as a sole trader doing media work under someone else’s ReOC
You're capturing drone footage for a production company — if they have a ReOC and you’re listed under it, you’re covered.

One common question we get is about the landholder exemption.

If you’re operating a drone on your own property for your own business, you don’t need a ReOC — this includes activities like mapping your farm or inspecting your land.

However, if you’re performing agricultural or commercial drone work on someone else’s property, a ReOC is required, as you’re operating for hire or reward on behalf of another entity.

Have a look at our Agriculture operations page for more on this!

Drone Licensing in Agriculture and Other Key Industries

Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors for drone adoption in Australia. With the ability to survey large properties, monitor crop health, spray pesticides, and even plant seeds, drones are transforming how modern farms operate.

If you're flying on your own property, you can operate under the landholder exemption without a ReOC.
If you're offering drone services on someone else’s farm, such as spraying or mapping, you will need both a RePL and a ReOC.
For certain tasks, type ratings may also be required, when using drones over 25kg for operations like spraying.

At Uncrewed Aviation Australia, we offer training tailored to setting you up for work in agriculture, including RePL/ReOC packages with agricultural type ratings and with agriculture specific ReOC amendments and bundled courses to streamline your pathway into the industry.

Other industries also benefit from drone licensing:

Construction and infrastructure inspection
Environmental monitoring and conservation
Emergency response and public safety
Media and film production

Getting licensed opens the door to a wide range of commercial opportunities — and we’re here to help you find the right course for your goals.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, drones are more powerful and accessible than ever — but operating them responsibly requires proper training and understanding of the law. Whether you're capturing aerial footage, mapping farmland, inspecting assets, or monitoring coastlines, getting licensed is not only a legal requirement but a smart step for safety and professionalism.

At Uncrewed Aviation Australia, we offer a range of drone training courses across the country, from beginners to advanced operators, helping individuals and businesses alike take flight legally and confidently.

Still unsure what license or certification you need? Get in touch with our team — we’ll help you find the right course and the best path to launch your drone journey.

Fly smart. Fly safe. Fly licensed.