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.