Commercial drone operators can apply for fast authorisations to fly safely in controlled areas at Broome, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Essendon, Hobart, and Melbourne airports under an expansion of the Automated Airspace Authorisations Trial (AAAT).
Launched by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia in May 2021, the trial has simplified airspace access for eligible commercial drone operators by streamlining access to traditionally restricted areas, including around some capital city airports and other locations. More than 1,400 automated flight authorisations have been processed, saving industry more than $1.2 million in application fees.
CASA Senior RPAS Specialist, Will Whitelaw, said the trial had already proven to be a gamechanger for the drone industry and airspace management in Australia.
"This initiative represents a significant step forward for Australia's drone industry and airspace management," he said.
"Extending and expanding the trial demonstrates our commitment to supporting safe and efficient drone operations while ensuring the safety of airspace for all users. These new locations will create more opportunities for innovation and growth in the commercial drone sector."
Airservices Australia Head of Transformation Uncrewed Services, Luke Gumley, said expanding the trial to more locations is an important part of the journey to enabling Australia's Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem. This ecosystem will be underpinned by Airservices' Flight Information Management System (FIMS) that is scheduled to go live in late 2025.
"The significant work and collaboration between Airservices and CASA that has enabled the trial extension and expansion is a testament to our joint commitment in ensuring the safe integration of thousands of drones into Australia's complex airspace," he said.
Participating chief remote pilots can apply for authorisations through participating CASA-verified drone safety apps, with approvals granted in near real-time for flight requests submitted up to 30 days in advance. Flights are limited to daylight hours using registered drones under 25 kilograms. Approved operations do not require prior notification to air traffic control or the issuing of Notice to Airmen (or NOTAM), significantly reducing administrative burden.
To qualify, operators need to hold a current remotely piloted operator's certificate (ReOC), and flight requests must meet strict conditions regarding location, altitude, and drone specifications. Each request undergoes thorough verification to ensure the safety of other airspace users, including standard airport and crewed aircraft operations.
CASA and Airservices have worked collaboratively to ensure the trial operates to the highest safety standards. The rigorous process for assessing flight requests ensures operations can be conducted safely, without disruption to regular air traffic.
There is no cost to participate in the trial and no restrictions on the number of authorisations that can be granted. CASA and Airservices encourage eligible operators to join the trial and take advantage of this efficient flight authorisations process and innovative approach to airspace management.
