Draft guidance for drone-drone deconfliction

Overview

We are seeking feedback on draft guidance for managing potential conflicts between drones during flight.

Known as drone-drone deconfliction, this involves identifying and managing situations where drones, also called remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), may come too close to each other.

The draft guidance provides recommended practices for drone operators, including:

• sharing accurate information about planned operations
• using available UAS traffic management (UTM) services
• coordinating with other operators to resolve potential conflicts
• monitoring operations against planned flight areas
• considering appropriate equipment and technologies to help identify other aircraft.

It also outlines expectations for UAS service suppliers (USS) as UTM services develop.

The guidance is principles-based and does not introduce new regulatory requirements. It focuses on conflicts between drones, not between drones and crewed aircraft.

Background

The guidance supports an action in the Australian Government’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management Action Plan, released in December 2024.

We have developed it in the context of Airservices Australia’s Flight Information Management System (FIMS), which will enable an initial UTM services and capabilities.

We expect the guidance will evolve as Australia’s UTM services and capabilities develop.

Who this consultation is for

We are seeking feedback from people and organisations involved in drone operations and UTM services, including:

• remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) holders
• remote pilot licence (RePL) holders and other remote crew members
• UAS service suppliers (USS)
• UAS traffic management (UTM) stakeholders
• other personnel supporting USS development and drone operations.

Why your views matter

We want to know whether the draft guidance:

• is clear and easy to understand
• provides enough practical information for drone operators
• clearly explains expectations for UAS service suppliers
• adequately addresses immediate safety concerns.

Your feedback will help us improve the guidance before we finalise it.

How to submit feedback

Please read the draft guidance before providing your feedback.

Submit your comments on the draft guidance through the Consultation Hub using the survey provided.

If you are unable to provide feedback this way, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

Feedback that improves the guidance will be incorporated into the final guidance.

Related Documents

All relevant documents are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Draft guidance for drone-drone deconfliction
• MS Word copy of online consultation for distribution and feedback within your organisation.

Why your views matter