Drone Operations & Regulations FAQ

Need answers about drone regulations in Australia? As CASA-certified drone operators in Perth, we’ll help you understand everything about commercial drone operations, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance. Our FAQ covers essential questions about drone flying permits, operational guidelines, and safety protocols that every client should know.

✓ CASA.ReOC.0979 Certified
✓ First Australian Company Approved for FPV Operations Near People
✓ Class 1 BVLOS Drone Operations
✓ Full Commercial Drone Insurance
✓ 9+ Years of Professional Experience

Your work is worth more than you’re charging.

Certification & Compliance

Sky Perth holds CASA.ReOC.0979 certification, with special approvals for FPV drone operations near people and Class 1 BVLOS operations. We’re fully insured and certified for night operations, making us one of the most comprehensively certified drone operators in Australia.

Commercial drone operations in Australia require:

  • CASA ReOC certification
  • Remote Pilot License (RePL)
  • Public liability insurance
  • Special permits for specific operations (night flights, near-people operations)
  • AROC radio operator certification for controlled airspace

CASA certifications require regular renewal:

  • ReOC: Valid for 3 years
  • RePL: it does not expire
  • Insurance: Annual renewal
  • Special permits: Varies by permit type
  • AROC: it does not expire
Our comprehensive insurance coverage includes:

  • Public liability insurance up to $20 million
  • Professional indemnity insurance
  • Equipment insurance
  • Operator insurance
  • Special event coverage
  • Worldwide territory coverage
Commercial drone operations require:

  • CASA ReOC certification
  • Professional training and assessment
  • Strict operational procedures
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage
  • Regular audits and compliance checks while recreational flying has fewer requirements but more restrictions.

We stay compliant through:

  • Regular CASA updates and briefings
  • Continuous staff training
  • Industry association memberships
  • Professional development programs
  • Regular internal audits
  • Updated documentation systems

Our pilots maintain:

  • Current RePL certification
  • CASA ReOC compliance
  • Specialized operation certifications
  • Regular skills assessments
  • Ongoing professional training
  • Industry-specific qualifications

Required documentation includes:

  • Operations manual
  • Risk assessment forms
  • Flight logs
  • Maintenance records
  • Insurance certificates
  • Pilot qualifications
  • Special permits

Safety Protocols

Essential safety measures for near-people drone operations include:

  • CASA special approval
  • Soft prop guards
  • Risk assessment documentation
  • Emergency procedures
  • Trained safety observers

We maintain safety through:

  • Regular equipment maintenance
  • Comprehensive pre-flight assessments
  • Real-time weather monitoring
  • Detailed flight planning
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Continuous staff training

Our pre-flight checklist includes:

  • Equipment condition assessment
  • Battery level verification
  • Weather condition checks
  • Site hazard identification
  • Communication systems testing
  • Emergency procedure review
  • Airspace clearance confirmation
  • Public safety measures

Our emergency response includes:

  • Immediate flight termination procedures
  • Emergency landing protocols
  • First responder contact procedures
  • Client communication plans
  • Incident reporting systems
  • Recovery procedures
  • Public safety measures
  • Insurance claim processes

Standard safety equipment includes:

  • First aid kits
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Safety vests
  • Communication devices
  • Backup systems
  • Warning signs
  • Barrier tape
  • Personal protective equipment

Our battery management includes:

  • Regular testing and maintenance
  • Proper storage procedures
  • Transportation safety protocols
  • Charging best practices
  • Performance monitoring
  • Replacement schedules
  • Disposal procedures
  • Emergency handling protocols

We monitor weather through:

  • Professional weather services
  • Local weather stations
  • Wind speed indicators
  • Real-time updates
  • Forecast analysis
  • On-site assessment
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Visibility checks

Our data security measures include:

  • Encrypted storage systems
  • Secure file transfer protocols
  • Client confidentiality agreements
  • Access control systems
  • Regular security audits
  • Backup procedures
  • Privacy compliance
  • Data disposal protocols

Operational Guidelines

Commercial drone distance restrictions include:

  • 30m minimum distance from people (without special approval)
  • 5.5km from controlled aerodromes
  • Below 120m altitude
  • Within the visual line of sight
  • Special permits required for BVLOS operations
  • 15m from buildings without permission
  • Clear of emergency operations
  • Away from prohibited areas

Suitable weather conditions include:

  • Wind speeds below 25 knots
  • No precipitation
  • Clear visibility (minimum 5km)
  • Daylight hours (unless night-certified)
  • Temperature within drone operating range
  • No severe weather warnings
  • Cloud ceiling above operational height
  • Stable atmospheric conditions

Our flight path planning involves:

  • Airspace classification checks
  • Obstacle identification
  • Risk assessment
  • Alternative route planning
  • Emergency landing sites
  • Communication points
  • Battery life calculations
  • Client shot requirements
Height restrictions include:

  • Maximum 120m above ground level
  • Lower in controlled airspace
  • Site-specific restrictions
  • Obstacle clearance requirements
  • Special permit allowances
  • Event-specific limitations
  • Emergency procedure heights
  • Transition altitude considerations

Multiple drone management includes:

  • Dedicated operators per drone
  • Separation protocols
  • Communication systems
  • Flight path coordination
  • Emergency procedures
  • Monitoring systems
  • Risk assessments
  • Team briefings

Communication protocols include:

  • Radio procedures
  • Hand signals
  • Team briefings
  • Client communication
  • Emergency contacts
  • Air traffic communication
  • Public notification
  • Documentation systems

We accommodate filming requirements through:

  • Custom flight patterns
  • Speed adjustments
  • Camera settings
  • Lighting considerations
  • Shot planning
  • Equipment selection
  • Weather adaptation
  • Client consultation

Operational limitations vary by:

  • Drone size and weight
  • Battery life
  • Weather tolerance
  • Payload capacity
  • Range capabilities
  • Camera systems
  • Special features
  • Regulatory requirements

Legal Requirements

Required permissions include:

  • Property owner consent
  • Local council approval
  • CASA authorisation
  • Privacy considerations
  • Flight path clearance
  • Risk assessment approval
  • Insurance verification
  • Special event permits

Privacy management includes:

  • Privacy law compliance
  • Pre-flight notifications
  • Flight path planning
  • Data protection
  • Client confidentiality
  • Recording protocols
  • Public communication
  • Data disposal procedures

Restricted area operations require:

  • Special permits
  • Security clearances
  • Site-specific approvals
  • Risk assessments
  • Emergency procedures
  • Coordination with authorities
  • Documentation
  • Insurance verification

Noise compliance includes:

  • Time restrictions
  • Height management
  • Flight path planning
  • Equipment selection
  • Public notification
  • Local ordinance compliance
  • Noise assessment
  • Documentation

Commercial filming requires:

  • Location permits
  • Property releases
  • Public liability insurance
  • Safety plans
  • Schedule submissions
  • Equipment declarations
  • Crew certifications
  • Risk assessments

IP rights management includes:

  • Client agreements
  • Usage rights
  • Copyright protection
  • Data ownership
  • Distribution rights
  • Storage protocols
  • Release forms
  • Licensing agreements

Airport proximity operations require:

  • CASA approval
  • Air traffic control coordination
  • Height restrictions
  • Time limitations
  • Special equipment
  • Emergency procedures
  • Communication protocols
  • Documentation

Required documentation includes:

  • Flight logs
  • Maintenance records
  • Insurance certificates
  • Pilot licenses
  • Risk assessments
  • Permission forms
  • Emergency procedures
  • Incident reports

Special Operations

Yes, we conduct night operations with:

  • CASA night flying certification
  • Specialized lighting equipment
  • Enhanced safety protocols
  • Comprehensive risk assessments
  • Advanced night vision technology
  • Emergency procedures
  • Special crew training
  • Additional insurance coverage

Our specialised operations include:

  • FPV (First Person View) flights
  • BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)
  • Near-people operations
  • Indoor flying
  • Night operations
  • Complex cinematography
  • Live streaming
  • High-altitude operations

Indoor operations involve:

  • Specialised small drones
  • Prop guards
  • Enhanced safety measures
  • Space assessment
  • Ventilation considerations
  • Lighting setup
  • Emergency protocols
  • Special insurance coverage

Our FPV capabilities include:

  • Custom-built FPV drones
  • Professional pilots
  • High-speed capabilities
  • Dynamic movements
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Backup systems
  • Special safety protocols
  • Multiple camera options

Complex shots are managed through:

  • Detailed shot planning
  • Multiple drone coordination
  • Advanced pilot techniques
  • Specialised equipment
  • Weather monitoring
  • Risk assessment
  • Team communication
  • Client consultation

Special equipment includes:

  • Weather-resistant drones
  • Specialized cameras
  • Custom mounting systems
  • Backup equipment
  • Safety gear
  • Communication devices
  • Monitoring systems
  • Emergency kits

Live streaming operations include:

  • Real-time transmission
  • Backup systems
  • Quality monitoring
  • Signal management
  • Multiple camera feeds
  • Technical support
  • Emergency procedures
  • Client coordination

Water operations feature:

  • Special safety protocols
  • Maritime coordination
  • Weather monitoring
  • Emergency recovery
  • Communication systems
  • Specialised insurance
  • Safety equipment

Additional Technical Specifications

Our fleet includes:

  • DJI Inspire 3
  • DJI Mavic 3 Pro CINE
  • DJI Mavic 3 Pro
  • DJI Avata 2
  • Custom FPV drones

Available camera systems:

  • 8K cinema cameras
  • 360-degree cameras
  • Live streaming setups
  • Custom rigs
  • Specialised lenses

Support equipment includes:

  • Monitoring systems
  • Backup power
  • Transport cases
  • Safety equipment
  • Communication gear
  • Emergency kits

Looking to navigate the skies with confidence?

At Sky Perth, we combine expert drone operations with a deep understanding of regulations to deliver seamless, high-quality aerial solutions. From creative storytelling to industry-specific applications, our CASA-certified team ensures every project is safe, compliant, and visually stunning.

Let us take your vision to new heights!