FAQs

A drone is a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). RPAs range in size from 1g to 150kg.

Drones can be used for a variety of purposes and are becoming increasingly accessible for applications in research, marketing and campus management.

It is important that you understand the requirements and rules before engaging in any activities involving the technology.

The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) are made under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and are administered by the Civil Aviation potential risks from inappropriate use of drones, fines apply to people and organisations that do not comply with the CASR. Safety Authority (CASA). CASA is responsible for ensuring the safety of all users of airspace as well as people on the ground.

The Regulations set controls on the operators and activities of drones to minimise any foreseeable risks to the public and other aircraft. Due to the potential risks inappropriate use of drones poses, fines apply to people and organisations that do not comply with the CASR.

The CASR define what types of flight activities can be conducted, who can conduct them and where and how they can occur. Part 101 of the CASR governs the use of RPAs.

The regulations are complex and technical and vary according to specific circumstances. CASA has produced Advisory Circular 101-10 to assist users to interpret the regulatory requirements.

A Manual of Standards will also be published. Any University related operations are subject to a specific approval issued by CASA. Details about the University’s approved operating conditions can be obtained from the University’s Chief Remote Pilot via the URAF contact: uraf@adelaide.edu.au.

Please note: All University staff/students piloting a drone must be approved by the URAF for operation (this includes both sub-2kg and above 2kg operations).

Dependent on your intended operations, you may require a RePL or may be able to operate under the 'Excluded' Category:

• All University drone pilots flying units over 2-kg and/or outside of the Standard Operating Conditions need to be licensed with a RePL.
• All University drone pilots flying units under 2kg and within the Standard Operating Conditions, are able to fly in what is called the 'Excluded' category (for more information, visit the Excluded Category Operations (Sub-2kg).

All University operations are considered commercial by CASA.

All University-based pilots need to be trained to meet CASA licensing requirements. The licensing process assures CASA (and the University) that pilots have technical capabilities and awareness of the risks and responsibilities that go with using drones in shared airspace. Appropriate licensing is also a condition for coverage under the University’s insurance program.

CASA only issues a RPA Operator’s Certificates (ReOC) to organisations that have systems that meet the highest technical and safety standards.

The University has a ReOC. Our ReOC represents CASA’s permission to conduct agreed types of activities using approved RPAs.

The URAF has developed an in-house compliance system to approve, monitor and record drone operations.

The ReOC and the University’s compliance system also means that our insurance program will cover approved activities and pilots should an injury or damage to property occur.

The Chief Remote Pilot has the necessary experience and qualifications to oversee all RPA operations.

The Chief Remote Pilot has autonomy to perform the role as required by CASA and is directly answerable to CASA for the University’s management of its drone fleet. The Chief Remote Pilot has full authority and can and will refuse permission to any operation that does not meet CASA requirements, industry best practice or risk and insurance requirements of the University.

The Chief Remote Pilot is responsible for:

• Ensuring the University RPA operations comply with legislation and regulations.
• Maintaining records of the qualifications of all RPA pilots, drones and operations.
• Monitoring operational standards and training.
• Ensuring access to a reference library supporting approved operations.

CASA must be advised and approve any changes to the appointment of the Chief Remote Pilot and the Maintenance Controller.

There are many types and sizes of RPAs available, and their cost varies significantly.

Subject to your project objectives or operational need, choosing a model already listed on the Operator’s Certificate will save you time.

If you need a drone that is not already listed, it will have to be approved by CASA before you can fly.

Depending on the type and model, this could take weeks or months as additional flight testing may be required by CASA to ensure that the drone pilots and the Chief Remote Pilot are appropriately trained.

Once approved, a regular maintenance scheduled for your drone should be established in consultation with the University’s Maintenance Controller.

Key instrumentation

While there may be some restrictions on use, the experimental use or adaptation of drones and RPAS may be negotiated with CASA where it can be shown that any potential risk can be controlled and reduced.

Researchers adapting RPAS for a specific research purpose should develop a clear project plan and consult the University's Chief Remote Pilot to discuss options.

When operational requirements differ from those listed on the ReOC, an approval from CASA can be sought through the University’s Chief Remote Pilot.

Approvals may be needed for:

• Special types activities - one-off or a regular activity in a particular location.
• Permission to work in special conditions – such as night-flying or in a populous area.
• Approval to use a particular or specialist type of aircraft.

Additional safety measures and/or controls may be put in place by the Chief Remote Pilot and/or CASA before the flights proceed. Depending on the nature and complexity of the request, approval may take days or months. Early notice to CASA is recommended.

Anyone using a drone should consider privacy issues.

The same features that makes drones potentially useful in conducting a range of activities also makes them potentially intrusive when they are used without consideration of other people.

The University has a Privacy Policy which requires that activities involving the collection of any photographic or video data should not be intrusive of people’s privacy.

Any proposed projects using drones must also meet any research ethics requirements if applicable. Contact Research Services for more information.

Like other equipment that is used in the University, drones are useful tools for furthering our knowledge in many fields.

Possible risks to safety during drone operations should be assessed as required under the University’s Health Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

The safety of personnel should always be considered in the use and storage of all equipment. Potential hazards related to drone batteries (Lithium-ion Polymer) should be considered during storage and transport.

Standard procedures related to the assessment of off-site activities and general field work should also be adhered to.

A HSW officer can assist.

The University provides insurance cover for approved activities.

This means drones that are operated in any Australian jurisdiction and in accordance with CASA requirements and University Policies and procedures.

For full details about insurance coverage, please speak with URAF and Risk Services (Insurance).

University pilots flying drones overseas are not automatically covered by University insurance. In order to have your overseas operations covered under insurance, you must follow the below procedures to obtain confirmation from the Legal and Risk Branch.

The below information should be provided to the Legal and Risk Branch when planning an overseas trip, they will liaise with the University's insurer to confirm the cover. As early as possible is desirable, but at the very least 10 business days before any overseas travel commences:

• Dates of travel.
• Destination/s.
• Drone units (including Serial Numbers).
• Pilots travelling / operating Use of drone whilst overseas – photography, training etc.
• Type of packing and whether, or not, they will be on-board the aircraft as hand luggage or as baggage in the hold of the aircraft.
• Details of cameras/sensors that will also be travelling.

University staff/students are responsible for researching and complying with the local regulations whilst overseas. In some countries permit applications can take months, we suggest doing your research and beginning this process early.