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.