Current CASA Night Flying Policy
Legal Status
Night flying (operations between sunset and sunrise) is permitted but strictly regulated under CASR Part 101.
Key Points:- Not automatically allowed with a standard Remote Pilot License (RePL)
- Requires specific endorsement or approval
- Mandatory lighting systems
- Enhanced visual line of sight requirements
- Weather monitoring mandatory
- Aircraft lighting (beacon + navigation lights)
- Pilot must see drone continuously
- Maximum 400 feet AGL
- Cloud ceiling minimum 500 feet
- Visibility minimum 5 km
- Enhanced surveillance system (radar/thermal)
- Full ReOC approval from CASA
- Continuous GPS monitoring
- Redundant communication systems
- Two-pilot operation minimum
- Thermal camera onboard
- Real-time sensor feed to pilot
- Landing zone visible on thermal display
- Emergency procedures documented
- Minimum 50 hours daytime flying experience
- Pass theory exam (night operations focus)
- Demonstrate competency in night procedures
- Hold current RemotePilot License
- Submit CASA form CA1191 (Endorsement request)
- Attach flight logbook (proof of 50+ hours)
- Pay varies — consult relevant providers for current pricing fee
- Wait 15–30 days
- Comprehensive safety case
- SORA risk assessment
- Insurance verification (varies by coverage level and operations type minimum)
- Airspace coordination
- ATC notification
- Flash rate: 40–100 flashes per minute
- Brightness: 20–100 candela per light
- Power source: Battery (3+ hours minimum)
- Redundancy: Dual lights recommended
- All lights tested and functional
- Battery charge 100% on all lighting systems
- Light mounting secure (no vibration)
- Strobe synchronization confirmed
- GPS/GNSS lock achieved (minimum 10 satellites)
- Compass calibrated
- Camera lens clean (reduce glare)
- Battery fully charged (night ops use 30% more power)
- Weather clear (no rain, fog, clouds)
- Visibility minimum 5 km confirmed
- Wind speed < 15 knots
- Airspace clear (NOTAM issued if required)
- Endorsement current and valid
- Insurance active and verified
- Flight plan filed (if required)
- Emergency procedures reviewed
- Two-person operation ready (observer essential)
- Maximum flight duration: 90 minutes
- Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL
- Visibility minimum: 5 km
- Cloud ceiling: 500 feet minimum
- Two-person crew: Pilot + Safety Officer
- Clear line of sight to drone at all times
- Communication headset with pilot
- Knowledge of airspace rules
- Ability to identify obstacles/hazards
- Formal training (CASA-recognized course)
- Certification on file with CASA
- Real-time decision-making authority
- Authority to abort flight if unsafe
- Level 1–2: Simple night operations (short distances, open areas)
- Level 3: Urban night flights (requires dual systems)
- Level 4: Complex night operations (BVLOS, multi-drone coordination)
- Level 5: Not permitted for drone operations
- Nocturnal birds (especially during migration)
- Insects (attracted to lights)
- Marine life (offshore operations)
- Minimize light intensity if possible
- Avoid flying in wildlife sensitive areas at night
- Report any wildlife disturbance to CASA
- Victoria: Local council approval required in some areas
- NSW: Light pollution regulations in Blue Mountains, regional parks
- WA: Limited restrictions, but check local shire rules
- Night Flying Endorsement (A$500 + 15 days)
- Park Authority Approval (Northern Territory Parks & Wildlife)
- Environmental impact assessment
- Thermal camera system (varies depending on specifications and supplier+)
- SORA assessment (Level 2–3)
- Observer on-site
- NOTAM issued 24 hours prior
- Insurance verification
Types of Night Operations
1. VFR Night (Visual Flight Rules)
Drone visible due to lighting and visual references.
Requirements:2. BVLOS Night (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)
Drone operates outside pilot's line of sight with sensors only.
Requirements:3. Sensor-Based Night Operations
Drone navigates via thermal imaging, IR, or LiDAR (no visual contact).
Requirements:CASA Night Flying Licensing Pathway
Step 1: Obtain "Night Flying Endorsement"
Not included in standard RePL. Must apply separately to CASA.
Eligibility:Step 2: Advanced Night Operations Approval
For commercial or complex night flying:
Mandatory Night Flying Lighting
Navigation Lights (Minimum)
Every drone flying at night must have:
| Light | Position | Color | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-collision beacon | Top center | Red/white strobe | 3 km minimum |
| Left navigation | Left wingtip | Green | 2 km minimum |
| Right navigation | Right wingtip | Red | 2 km minimum |
| Position light | Tail | White | 2 km minimum |
Light Specifications (CASR Part 101)
Popular Drone Night Light Systems
| System | Cost | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| DJI Intelligent Flight Battery (LED) | varies depending on specifications | DJI Matrice series |
| Lume Cube Strobe | A$250 | Universal mount |
| Zenmuse H30T (integrated lights) | A$8,000 | DJI Matrice 300 RTK |
| Night Flying Beacon Kit | A$150–A$400 | Generic drones |
Pre-Flight Night Operations Checklist
Lighting Systems
Drone Systems
Environmental Checks
Pilot Readiness
Night Flying Limitations (CASR Part 101)
Recreational Night Flying
Even with endorsement, you cannot:
| Operation | Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fly over people | No | Prohibited day or night |
| BVLOS at night | No (without ReOC) | Requires commercial approval |
| Night flying in clouds | No | 500 ft cloud ceiling minimum |
| Single-pilot operation | Limited | Observer recommended at minimum |
| Payload release at night | No | Dropping payloads prohibited |
| Flying over water (ocean/large lakes) | Limited | Only with flotation device |
Commercial Night Flying
Additional restrictions:
Observer & Safety Officer Requirements
Night Flying Observer
Role: Monitors airspace around drone. Not involved in control. Requirements:Safety Officer (Commercial Operations)
Role: Monitors ground hazards, weather, airspace conflicts. Requirements:Night Flying Risk Assessment (SORA)
Hazard Matrix
Night operations increase risk. SORA assessment must address:
| Hazard | Day Risk | Night Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision with aircraft | Low | High | Enhanced ATC coordination |
| Loss of visual contact | N/A | High | Lighting + continuous GPS |
| Pilot disorientation | Low | High | Thermal/IR sensors |
| Ground hazard detection | Low | High | Ground observer + lights |
| Power system failure | Low | High | Battery redundancy |
SORA Night Operations Approval Levels
Environmental Considerations
Lighting Impact on Wildlife
Night flying can affect:
Light Pollution Regulations
Some Australian councils restrict lighting for environmental reasons:
Night Flying Cost Analysis
Equipment Costs (One-Time)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Night lighting kit | varies depending on specifications |
| Thermal camera (optional) | varies depending on specifications |
| Enhanced navigation equipment | varies depending on specifications |
| Total | varies depending on specifications |
Operational Costs (Per Flight)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Observer/Safety Officer | varies — check with relevant providers |
| Fuel/battery replacement (accelerated wear) | varies by coverage level and operations type |
| Insurance surcharge (night ops) | varies — consult relevant providers for current pricing |
| MmowW compliance | A$8.50/month (shared across drones) |
| Total Per Flight | A$93.50–A$270 |
Penalties for Unauthorized Night Flying
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Night flying without endorsement | A$3,000–A$10,000 |
| Operating without lighting | A$5,000–A$15,000 |
| BVLOS night flying (no ReOC) | A$20,000–A$50,000 |
| Dangerous night operation | Criminal prosecution + imprisonment |
| Injury to person/property | Civil liability + criminal charges |
Night Flying Case Study: Wildlife Photography at Kakadu National Park
Scenario: Capture brolga cranes at night in Kakadu. CASA Requirements:FAQ
Q: Can I fly my drone at dusk (civil twilight)?
A: Yes, civil twilight (30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after) is considered daytime. No endorsement needed, but lighting recommended.Q: Do I need night flying endorsement for a 250g DJI Mini?
A: Yes. CASR Part 101 applies to all drones regardless of weight if they're remotely piloted.Q: What if my lights fail during flight?
A: You must land immediately at the nearest safe location. Continuing with failed lights is illegal.Q: Can I use my phone's flashlight as a night light?
A: No. Phone lights don't meet CASR brightness/visibility standards. Only approved navigation lights are acceptable.Q: How much battery does night flying drain?
A: 20–40% more than daytime flying due to lighting systems and extended operations.Q: Is thermal imaging required for night flying?
A: Not required, but highly recommended. Helps with situational awareness and hazard detection.Q: Can my teenage son fly my drone at night?
A: Only if he has his own Remote Pilot License AND night flying endorsement. Parent supervision doesn't substitute for licensing.Q: Does MmowW track my night flights?
A: Yes. MmowW's compliance dashboard logs all flight types (daytime/night). We ensure your records match CASA requirements.Q: What if I'm flying in a city at night?
A: City flying is heavily restricted. You'll need Level 3–4 SORA approval, which requires professional consultation and typically a ReOC.Q: Can I combine night flying with BVLOS?
Key Takeaways
Night flying is legal with Night Flying Endorsement (varies — consult relevant providers for current pricing + 15 days) Lighting systems are mandatory (anti-collision beacon minimum) Observer required for all recreational night operations Maximum 400 feet AGL, no flying over people BVLOS night flying requires ReOC and ReOC approval Enhanced risk assessment (SORA) mandatory for commercial operations