MmowW

Regulatory Background

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulates all drone operations in the United Kingdom under the Air Navigation Order 2016 and associated regulations. Since Brexit, the CAA has operated independently from EASA, developing its own regulatory pathway for unmanned aircraft.

In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) governs drone operations under Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR). CASA has been regulating remotely piloted aircraft since 2002, making it one of the earliest national authorities to create a dedicated regulatory framework for drones.

Registration Requirements

In the UK, registration is required for drones weighing 250g or more, or any drone equipped with a camera. Operators pay GBP 10.33 per year and receive an Operator ID and Flyer ID.

In Australia, CASA requires registration for all drones weighing more than 250g that are flown outdoors. Registration is free and is completed through the myCASA online portal. Operators also need an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) before registering their drone. CASA issues a unique registration number that must be marked on the aircraft.

Recreational Flying Rules

UK recreational pilots flying drones under 250g without a camera do not need to register. For heavier drones, recreational pilots must pass the CAA Flyer ID theory test and follow Open category rules, including staying below 120m, maintaining visual line of sight, and keeping clear of other aircraft.

In Australia, recreational operators flying drones under 2kg benefit from a simplified set of rules. They must fly below 120m, keep at least 30m from other people, not fly over populated areas, stay at least 5.5km from controlled aerodromes, and fly only during daylight. For drones between 2kg and 25kg, additional restrictions apply, including the requirement to fly in visual line of sight and away from emergency operations.

Commercial Operations

UK commercial operators generally need either an A2 CofC for operations near people or a GVC with an Operational Authorisation for a wider range of professional work. The process involves approved training courses, theory examinations, and practical assessments.

Australia offers two pathways for commercial operations. For drones under 2kg in certain low-risk operations, CASA provides an excluded category that allows commercial flying without a Remote Pilot Licence, provided standard conditions are met. For operations outside these exclusions, operators need a RePL (Remote Pilot Licence), and their organisation must hold a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) or operate under an approved operator's certificate.

Altitude and Distance

Both countries impose a maximum altitude of 120 metres (approximately 400 feet) above ground level for standard operations. Visual line of sight requirements apply in both jurisdictions for operations in the lowest-risk categories.

A notable difference is Australia's specific minimum distance requirements. CASA rules state that recreational operators must keep at least 30 metres from other people and must not fly directly over populated areas. The UK does not specify a blanket minimum distance for all flights but applies proximity restrictions based on the drone's category and subcategory.

Insurance

UK commercial operators are required to hold third-party liability insurance. The level of coverage depends on the maximum take-off mass and the nature of the operation.

In Australia, there is no blanket regulatory requirement for drone insurance, though CASA expects commercial operators to manage risks appropriately. Many Australian commercial operators carry public liability insurance voluntarily, and some clients require proof of coverage before engaging drone services.

Key Differences

Travelling Between the UK and Australia with a Drone

UK certifications have no automatic recognition in Australia, and vice versa. Pilots travelling between the two countries should register separately in each jurisdiction and ensure they meet local competency requirements. Both MmowW UK and MmowW Australia compliance tools can assist with understanding the specific requirements for each country.