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

Response 734860769

Personal information

First name

(Required)

Malcolm

Last name

(Required)

Dowling

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

Please provide any additional comments:

I do not support any kind of registration as it will only serve to increase cost and administration for responsible operators/ controllers. If registration was mandated then, in my opinion as a collector and builder, the only fair and reasonable option would be single owner registration to be displayed on all owned airframes. Registration of individual RPA would be unfair to collectors or builders with numerous airframes. I would not support this option and would vigorously oppose any such proposal.

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 Ticked Above a specific size/weight	For specific operations 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:

I have already completed training and hold RePL. I found the training beneficial but don't believe it should be required for hobbyists or beginners new to the hobby. I would support brief presentation at point of sale directing purchasers to relevant information. ie CASA's "Can I fly there?" App. In fact current retailers (Harvey Norman, JB HIFI etc etc) should already be being made aware of such as part of CASA's due diligence. I showed a sales person at a ~~Redacted text~~store the "Can I fly there" app and he was surprised and impressed and had every intention of pointing future customers to it. More needs to be done to increase general awareness and would cost as little as an email to store managers.

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:

As much as I like the "Can I fly there" app. If the info it provides on no fly zones was mandated as geo fences the Australian RPAS industry would fold overnight. I do not support geo fencing of any kind. The focus should remain on increasing awareness.

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.

Should only be available to and only used by relevant authorities.

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

If any unauthorised RPAS activity is interfering with any emergency service then the drone in question should be considered forfeit and destroyed in any way available

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 app is helpful but could use further clarification on no fly zones. The focus should remain on education and awareness. As stated before an email to retailers regarding available information to point customers to should be a priority.

The RPAS industry is a very fast evolving entity and I believe CASA is doing well to manage it thus far. Keeping as many people involved in the process is key. Keep up the great work.