Drone discussion paper - Review of RPAS operations (DP 1708OS) - Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Response 526575663

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First name

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Luke

Last name

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Smith

Should all RPA be registered?

Select your preferred registration options.

	None	Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations	All RPA
By RPA Please select all that apply	None None	Above a specific size/weight Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations Ticked For specific operations	All RPA All RPA
By RPA owner Please select all that apply	None None	Above a specific size/weight Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations Ticked For specific operations	All RPA All RPA
By RPA operator Please select all that apply	None None	Above a specific size/weight Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations Ticked For specific operations	All RPA All RPA

Please provide any additional comments:

Mandatory registration is a waste of time for all RPA. If someone can't be bothered to read the rules why would they register, I know i wouldn't.

On the other hand RPA being used for commercial activity or at least the operator should probably be registered so there is a greater chance of them seeing the rules and possibly thinking twice about what they are doing.

Should all RPA users be required to meet training / proficiency criteria?

Select your preferred training and proficiency options.

	None	Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations	All RPA
Training Please select all that apply	None None	Above a specific size/weight Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations Ticked For specific operations	All RPA All RPA
Demonstration of proficiency Please select all that apply	None None	Above a specific size/weight Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations Ticked For specific operations	All RPA All RPA

Please provide any additional comments:

All commercial activity should require some sort of training if not RePL, some other basic course for safe operations.

The sub 2kg unlicensed commercial operators are probably the most likely to be flying in locations that require more skill and knowledge to prevent an incident in the event equipment malfunction or other unforeseen issues.

The recreational racer/hobby flier is likely to fly with other like minded individuals and gain a greater understanding of what they should and shouldn't be doing.

The average joe with too much money who buys a DJI or similar automated platform will always be the high risk group unlikely to undertake training or read the rules let alone the aircraft instruction manual.

Should the introduction of geo-fencing be mandated?

Should CASA mandate the introduction of geo-fencing options to limit the operation of RPA in certain areas?

Please select one item

Yes

Please provide your comments:

Geo fencing will introduce its own set of problems, perhaps you are trying to avoid and something and the geofence creates and unexpected barrier or restriction to flight controls. A failure in the GPS system can also result in very unwanted behavior.

Off the shelf high end aircraft should have an up to date system with ample warning and info on the rules of where they are flying but not all RPA need the software and hardware required for geofencing for regular operation.

What should be done about 'counter-drone' technology?

Provide your views on the ways in which counter-drone technologies should be managed and in what circumstances they should be used.

It should be minimised and only used in very high risk areas, disrupting an RPA not posing much risk could create a much greater hazard.

Specify any particular aspects of counter-drone technology or its potential uses to which CASA should be devoting more attention.

informing DJI pilots they are doing something stupid via their internet connected device would be ideal

Are we doing enough of the right things?

CASA seeks your view on the way in which we are approaching regulation of RPA in Australia today and for the future.

The rules and regulations are not crystal clear, or extremely easy to find and interpret.
There is constant argument over different aspects of the rules even between licenced operators. the 30m rule is probably the biggest one I see.
Use of aviation terms just adds confusion to the regular off the street person who just bought a phantom from jbhifi. Its far easier for most to just ignore whatever rules there may be than decipher the jargon.

Most people that buy a smaller cheaper RPA have probably never heard of CASA.

General comments

Please provide any final comments about CASA's review of RPA operations. You can use the comments box or upload a file submission.

Over regulating just leads to increased numbers of people breaking the rules as its easier just to ignore them. CASA should be focusing on education of the general public instead of the media just fear mongering and making people want something they don't understand banned.

All forms of remote piloted aircraft and their control systems are amazing learning tools, Without the chance to build and fly from scratch at home, interest will rapidly fade. Having to pay registration fees and other restrictions will rapidly destroy the fun and enjoyment most will gain from this great hobby/sport/industry.