How to Fly Over and Near People in Australia

One of the most common questions about drones in Australia is whether you can fly over or near people. The rules are clear but often misunderstood, and breaking them can land you with serious fines. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe and legal when flying your drone around people.

The General Rule

CASA’s standard drone rules say you must not fly closer than 30 metres to people who are not directly involved in your operation. This means you can’t fly over or near strangers in public places, at events, or anywhere there’s a crowd.

Flying Near People

• You must keep at least 30 metres horizontally between your drone and anyone not involved in the flight.

• This applies whether you’re flying for fun or commercially.

• The rule is there to prevent injury in case your drone malfunctions or loses control.

Flying Over People

Flying directly over people is not allowed under standard rules. This includes streets, beaches, parks, festivals, and any situation where people are gathered. Even if you think you’re high enough to be safe, CASA rules are clear: no flying above people.

Exceptions and Approvals

There are a few ways operators can get permission to fly closer than 30 metres or even over people:

• ReOC Operators: If you run a commercial drone business with a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), you can apply to CASA for special approvals.

• Exemptions: CASA sometimes grants exemptions for specific projects if strict safety procedures are in place.

What About Flying Over Your Own Group?

If the people are directly involved in the flight, the rules are different. As long as they are aware of the risks, briefed, and part of the operation, you can fly closer. But CASA still expects you to follow strict safety procedures.

Why Hire Licensed Operators

Getting permission to fly near or over people isn’t easy. It requires paperwork, safety planning, and CASA approval. That’s why many businesses hire professional operators who already hold the right certifications and can manage approvals.

At Enclave Media, we are CASA-certified, insured, and experienced in handling operations that require special permissions. Whether it’s an event, a film shoot, or a commercial project, we make sure the footage is captured legally and safely.

Final Thoughts

For everyday drone flying, the rule is simple: stay at least 30 metres away from people and never fly over them. If your project requires closer shots, you’ll need approvals through CASA — and that’s where working with a licensed operator makes the process much smoother.

If you need professional aerial work done around people, get in touch with Enclave Media. We’ll handle the compliance and safety so you can focus on the results.

What is a ReOC?

If you’ve looked into flying drones commercially in Australia, you’ve probably come across the term ReOC. For many people, it can feel like confusing aviation jargon. So, what exactly is a ReOC, and do you need one?

Breaking it Down

ReOC stands for Remote Operator’s Certificate. It’s issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and gives a business or individual the approval to run a commercial drone operation.

Think of it like a business licence for drones. While a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is for individual pilots, a ReOC is for the company that employs those pilots.

Why Do You Need a ReOC?

You’ll need a ReOC if:

• You want to run your own drone business.

• You employ or manage other drone pilots.

• You want to take on jobs that require special permissions, such as flying at night, near controlled airports, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Without a ReOC, you’re limited in the kind of work you can legally do, even if you already hold a Remote Pilot Licence.

What’s Involved in Getting One?

Applying for a ReOC means submitting documents and procedures to CASA. This usually includes:

• Operations Manual – a detailed plan outlining how your business will manage safety and compliance.

• Operations Library – supporting documents like risk assessments and checklists.

• Evidence of qualified personnel (at least one RePL holder, often a Chief Remote Pilot).

Once approved, you’ll receive your certificate and be able to legally manage commercial drone operations under CASA’s framework.

Do Hobbyists Need a ReOC?

No. Recreational drone flyers don’t need a ReOC. This approval is specifically for commercial operators running their own business or team.

Why Work with a Business that Holds a ReOC?

A ReOC shows that a drone business is committed to operating legally, safely, and professionally. It means CASA has approved their processes and that they can apply for special permissions when needed.

At Enclave Media, we hold the required CASA licences and approvals, giving our clients peace of mind that every project is carried out safely, legally, and to the highest standard.

Final Thoughts

A ReOC is more than just paperwork — it’s what allows a drone business to operate professionally in Australia. If you’re considering starting your own commercial drone company, it’s an essential step.

And if you’d rather skip the complexity and hire professionals who already have the approvals, get in touch with us at Enclave Media. We’ll handle the flying and compliance so you can focus on the results.

top 10 questions about drones in australia

Drones are becoming more popular every year in Australia, both for fun and for business. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a photographer, or someone thinking about starting a drone business, there’s a lot of confusion about the rules and what you can and can’t do. To help clear things up, here are the top 10 most common questions people ask about drones in Australia.

1. Do I need a licence to fly a drone in Australia?

If you’re flying for fun with a drone under 2 kg, you don’t need a licence. If you’re flying commercially, you may need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and possibly a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), depending on your situation.

2. How high can I fly my drone?

You can only fly up to 120 metres (400 ft) above ground level without special approval.

3. Can I fly my drone at night?

No, not unless you have CASA approval for night operations. Recreational pilots must only fly during daylight hours. Commercial operators with the right ReOC and procedures can apply for permission to fly at night.

4. Can I fly my drone over people?

No. Drones must not fly closer than 30 metres to other people, and you can’t fly over crowds, events, or gatherings.

5. Can I fly my drone near airports?

You must stay at least 5.5 km away from controlled airports unless you have CASA approval. Flying near airports is one of the biggest safety risks and comes with heavy penalties if ignored.

6. Do I need insurance for my drone?

Insurance isn’t legally required, but it’s strongly recommended for commercial operators. At Enclave Media, we’re fully insured so our clients are always covered.

7. Can I fly FPV (First-Person View) drones legally?

You will need a ReOC or a ReOC holder who has the EVLOS addition. You will also need a spotter when you fly.

8. What’s the maximum weight drone I can fly?

Recreational users can fly drones up to 2 kg, but anything over 2 kg comes with stricter rules. Commercial operators often need an RePL and ReOC for heavier drones.

9. Do I need to register my drone?

Yes. In Australia, all drones used for business, and all drones 250 g or heavier used for recreation, must be registered with CASA.

10. What happens if I break the rules?

Fines can be significant, running into the thousands of dollars. CASA monitors drone use and takes safety seriously, especially around airports and populated areas.

Final Thoughts

Flying drones in Australia can be simple if you know the rules, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business, staying compliant keeps everyone safe and avoids fines.

At Enclave Media, our team is CASA-certified, insured, and experienced in flying legally across a wide range of projects — from film shoots to construction. If you need professional aerial footage without the stress of navigating drone laws, we’re here to help.

How to Fly FPV Drones Legally in Australia

Flying FPV (First-Person View) drones is one of the most exciting ways to experience flight. With goggles on, you feel like you’re sitting inside the drone — weaving through trees, skimming over landscapes, and racing at high speeds. But in Australia, FPV flying comes with strict rules, and many new pilots don’t realise that it’s treated differently to normal line-of-sight flying.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your FPV flights legal.

Why FPV Flying Is Different

CASA’s standard drone rules require you to keep your drone in visual line of sight at all times. That means you must be able to see the drone with your own eyes, not just through goggles or a screen. When you’re flying FPV, you’re not looking at the drone directly, so by default, FPV is not legal unless certain conditions are met.

How to Fly FPV Legally

If you want to fly FPV in Australia, you’ll need:

1. A Spotter

• You must have a visual observer (often called a spotter) standing next to you.

• The spotter’s job is to keep the drone in sight at all times, watch for hazards like people or aircraft, and be ready to tell you to land if needed.

• This allows you to focus on your goggles while still meeting CASA’s visual line-of-sight requirement.

2. Compliance with Drone Safety Rules

• FPV or not, you must still follow the standard drone safety rules:

  • Stay below 120 metres (400 ft)

  • Keep at least 30 metres away from people

  • Stay 5.5 km away from controlled airports unless approved

  • Never fly over crowds, roads, or emergencies

3. Flying in Approved Locations

• FPV racing often takes place at approved flying fields through model aircraft clubs.

• Joining a local club (such as those affiliated with the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia) can give you access to safe, designated areas where FPV is encouraged.

Commercial FPV Flying

If you’re using FPV for work — for example, capturing cinematic footage or inspection shots — you’ll need the right licences:

• A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) if your drone weighs over 2kg.

• A Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) if you’re running your own business.

• Night FPV operations or flights outside standard rules require additional CASA approvals.

At Enclave Media, we’re fully certified and insured to carry out FPV work commercially. That means we can use FPV drones for creative filming and high-energy shots while keeping everything safe and compliant.

Final Thoughts

FPV drones open up a whole new way of flying, but in Australia, you can’t just throw on goggles and go — you need to make sure you’re meeting CASA’s requirements. By flying with a spotter, sticking to the safety rules, and getting the right approvals for commercial work, you can enjoy FPV without risking fines or unsafe situations.

If you’re looking to add fast-paced FPV footage to your project, contact Enclave Media. We’ll take care of the approvals and bring you the action safely and legally.

How to fly drones at night in Australia

Flying drones at night opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. From city skylines glowing with lights to atmospheric shots of events, night flying can take your aerial footage to the next level. But in Australia, you can’t just head out after dark and start flying — there are strict rules set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that you need to follow.

Here’s a simple guide to what’s required if you want to fly drones at night.

Why Night Flying is Different

CASA’s standard drone rules are designed around daylight flying. Flying after sunset brings added risks — reduced visibility, potential difficulty spotting obstacles, and a greater chance of losing orientation. Because of this, special approvals are required before you can legally fly a drone at night.

What You’ll Need to Fly at Night

To fly drones commercially at night in Australia, you’ll need two things:

1. A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
If you’re operating drones for business and want to fly at night, you must hold a Remote Pilot Licence. This involves training through a CASA-approved provider covering both theory and practical flying.

2. A Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) with Night Approval
If you’re running your own drone business, your ReOC must specifically include night operations in its privileges. This means submitting the right procedures to CASA, such as how you’ll conduct safety checks, manage lighting, and ensure visibility during flights.

Safety Requirements for Night Flying

Even with approval, there are strict safety requirements you must follow when flying after dark:

• Your drone must have bright anti-collision and navigation lights visible from at least 3 kilometres away.

• You must maintain visual line of sight at all times.

• The area you’re flying in needs to be properly assessed for obstacles, hazards, and people.

• As always, you must stay under 120 metres, keep clear of airports, and remain at least 30 metres away from people.

Why Hire Professionals for Night Work

Flying at night can produce incredible results, but it’s also higher risk and heavily regulated. That’s why many businesses turn to licensed operators with night approvals already in place.

At Enclave Media, our team is CASA-certified and experienced in safe night operations. From creative night-time cinematography to practical tasks like construction or site documentation, we take care of the approvals, lighting requirements, and risk management so you get stunning results without the stress.

Final Thoughts

Flying drones at night in Australia isn’t something you can do without preparation. You’ll need the right licence, the right approvals, and the right procedures in place to stay legal and safe.

If you’re looking to capture the unique beauty of night-time aerial footage without the hassle of approvals and safety planning, reach out to Enclave Media. We’ll handle everything while you enjoy the results.

How to Fly Drones Commercially in Australia

Flying drones is one of the best ways to capture amazing visuals, but if you’re planning to earn money with your drone in Australia, it’s not as simple as just taking off. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has rules in place that you’ll need to follow if you want to operate legally.

Whether your goal is real estate photography, construction inspections, or cinematic aerial shots, here’s a simple guide to getting started with commercial drone flying.

What Counts as Commercial Drone Flying?

If you’re flying a drone and getting paid — or even receiving something in return like a product, service, or discount — CASA sees that as commercial flying. Once you cross into that territory, you’ll need the right approvals and licences to stay compliant.

Step 1: Pick Your Licence Path

There are two main ways to fly drones commercially in Australia:

1. Fly under the sub-2kg excluded category
If your drone weighs less than 2 kilograms, you can operate commercially without a formal licence. You’ll still need to let CASA know before you start and follow the standard rules: keep under 120 metres, stay clear of people, and always fly within line of sight.

2. Get your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
If your drone is heavier than 2 kilograms, you’ll need an RePL. This means completing training with a CASA-approved provider, covering both theory and practical flying. Once you’re licensed, you’ll have access to a wider range of opportunities and bigger drones.

Step 2: Look into an Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)

If you want to run your own drone business rather than just working for someone else, you’ll need a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC).

This involves submitting procedures and manuals to CASA, but in return it gives you more flexibility. With a ReOC you can manage other pilots, take on larger projects, and apply for special permissions like flying at night or in restricted zones.

Step 3: Follow CASA’s Safety Rules

No matter what licence you hold, the same basic rules apply:

• Stay below 120 metres (400 ft)

• Keep your drone within visual line of sight

• Stay at least 30 metres away from people

• Don’t fly over crowds, events, or emergencies

• Keep 5.5 kilometres clear of controlled airports unless you have approval

These rules are in place for safety, and breaking them can result in fines.

Why Hire a Professional Operator?

The legal side of drone flying can feel overwhelming, which is why many people prefer to bring in licensed operators.

At Enclave Media, our pilots are CASA-certified, insured, and experienced in everything from cinematic filming to construction site documentation. We take care of the approvals, safety checks, and planning so you don’t have to worry about the details — you just get professional results from above.

Final Thoughts

Flying drones commercially in Australia is about more than skill behind the controls — it’s about working within the rules. If you’re taking the next step from hobby flying, you’ll need to decide whether the sub-2kg category works for you or if you’re ready for a full RePL and ReOC.

And if you’d rather skip the red tape, get in touch with us at Enclave Media. We’ll handle the legal side, the safety, and the creative work, so you can simply enjoy the final product.