RPAS automated airspace authorisation trial survey

Since May 2021, CASA and Airservices Australia have been conducting an automated airspace authorisation trial in Adelaide, Canberra and Perth.

The trial allows operators who hold a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC), or those who operate under one with a remote pilot licence (RePL), to quickly and easily apply to fly within 5.5 km (3NM) of a controlled airport.

Between 10 December 2021 and 28 January 2022, we invited public comment on the trial from those who had taken part, those who would like to take part and those who hadn’t heard of the trial.

We asked 22 questions about the trial and how it has been used and received by operators.

We received 446 responses to the consultation:

Remote pilot licence (RePL): 244
Remote operator's certificate (ReOC): 168
Excluded category RPA (sub-2 kg or 2-25 kg over my own land): 11
Micro RPA (250 g or less) for commercial or business use: 6
‘Other’ or ‘recreational’: 17

We thank respondents for their contributions and acknowledge their feedback is beneficial.

Responses to the survey were positive. The feedback from respondents revealed some common themes including:

• low awareness of the trial
• enthusiasm for more airports to be added
• support to continue and extend the trial.

While many respondents hadn’t taken part in the trial due to various reasons, there was an overwhelming consensus (98%) that the trial should continue and other airports be added.

From the respondents who had taken part in the trial, 80% said it was fairly easy or easy to apply for authorisation and more than 55% have been able to take on more work.

We considered all feedback provided and have consulted with Airservices Australia.

The automated airspace authorisation trial will be extended for a further 6 months and additional airports are currently being considered.

In addition to the extension, we will consult with developers to address the identified enhancements to the trial platform and drone safety apps to improve the service.