Chapter 1. Regulatory Framework Overview
1-1. Governing Body
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia's sole national aviation safety regulator, established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth). CASA administers and enforces the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR), with drone-specific rules concentrated in Part 101 — Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets.
Accident and incident investigation is handled by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), an independent statutory agency operating under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (Cth). ATSB investigations are safety-focused and separate from CASA enforcement action.
Primary statutory authorities:
- Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth): https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A03656
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 Part 101: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1998B00220
- Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (Cth): https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A01135
1-2. AU-Specific Regulatory Framework — Not UK/EU Three-Category
⚠️ Australia does NOT use the UK/EU Open/Specific/Certified framework. Australia operates its own distinct system based on operational risk, weight, and purpose.
| Category | Weight / Conditions | Credentials Required | MmowW Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational | Any weight / personal enjoyment only | Accreditation (online test) | No |
| Excluded Category — Sub-2kg | ≤2 kg / standard conditions / commercial | Operator Accreditation only (no RePL, no ReOC) | Limited |
| Excluded Category — Landholder | ≤25 kg / own land / own use | Operator Accreditation only | No |
| Standard Category (Licensed) | >2 kg OR outside standard conditions / commercial | RePL + ReOC | Yes — primary target |
| Larger RPA / Certified | Specific CASA approval | Individual approvals + certification | Case-by-case |
CASR Part 101 reference for category framework:
- CASR Part 101 overview and categories: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/rules/drone-categories
1-3. Standard Operating Conditions (Applies to ALL Categories)
All drone operations (recreational and commercial) must comply with standard operating conditions under CASR Part 101.055 unless specifically approved otherwise:
| Condition | Rule |
|---|---|
| Maximum altitude | 120 m (400 ft) above ground level |
| Line of sight | Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all times |
| Distance from people | Minimum 30 m from uninvolved persons |
| Flying over people | Prohibited without specific OONP approval |
| Daylight | Daytime only (civil twilight to civil twilight) |
| Airport proximity | ≥5.5 km from controlled airports (drones >250 g) |
| Simultaneous drones | One drone at a time per pilot |
| Controlled airspace | Below Class G unless specific approval |
CASR Part 101.055 standard conditions reference:
- https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/rules/standard-operating-conditions
1-4. MmowW AU Target Market
MmowW AU targets ReOC holders — businesses holding a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate. This group:
- Numbers approximately 3,100 active ReOC holders (CASA 2026 data)
- Employs an estimated 43,200+ RePL holders as remote pilots
- Carries the highest record-keeping burden in the MmowW portfolio — 7 years for all operational, maintenance, and training records
- Operates primarily in mining inspection, agricultural survey, infrastructure inspection, emergency services, and construction — all sectors with high compliance risk and client-mandated insurance requirements
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Quick Decision Matrix
Not sure where to start? Use this matrix to find your path.
| Your Situation | What You Need | Go To |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby pilot, small drone (<250g) | Registration only | Chapter 2 |
| Commercial operator, standard drone | Full pilot certification + registration | Chapter 2–3 |
| Flying near airports or restricted zones | Airspace authorisation required | Chapter 3 |
| Night flights or beyond visual line of sight | Special operational approval | Chapter 3 |
| Incident or accident occurred | Mandatory reporting obligations | Chapter 4 |
| Insurance and maintenance questions | Third-party liability + maintenance log | Chapter 5 |
5-second answer: If your drone weighs more than 250g, you need pilot certification AND aircraft registration before your first flight.