For someone starting out as a drone operator, it is easy to get lost in the different terms used across the industry. To add to the confusion, some of these terms are used interchangeably. Here is a plain-English list of the terms every aspiring drone pilot in Australia should know before starting training.
CASA
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority. This is the Australian Government body that regulates aviation safety. The rules, restrictions and safety guidelines you must follow when flying your drone are set out by CASA. Droneit training curriculum and materials are reviewed and approved by CASA.
Drone, RPA and RPAS
A drone is officially referred to as an RPA or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), which is the term recognised by CASA. You may also hear UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), but this term is less common in Australia and not used by CASA.
FPV drone
FPV (First Person View) drones use an onboard camera to transmit live video to the operator, typically to goggles the operator wears. CASA has specific rules around flying FPV drones, so check the current guidance before flying one.
ARN
An Aviation Reference Number, obtained by applying to CASA. You cannot complete a RePL course without an ARN. It is a unique ID CASA uses to identify you.
RePL
The Remote Pilot Licence, issued by CASA on successful completion of a RePL course. The Sub 7kg RePL is the standard licence, and it can be upgraded to Sub 25kg. The weight rating is the maximum weight of drone you are allowed to fly.
- Fly drones over 2kg and up to 7kg for commercial purposes
- Fly any drone up to 7kg outside of CASA standard operating conditions, with the appropriate CASA approvals
A RePL holder can only fly drones above 2kg and up to 7kg (or up to 25kg with an endorsement) when flying under a ReOC.
ReOC
A Remote Operator Certificate. To legally offer commercial drone services you must fly under a company (or your own ABN) ReOC. Multiple RePL holders can fly under one ReOC. A ReOC holder can also apply to CASA for approvals to conduct more complex operations, such as flying at night, near the public, or in restricted airspace.
AROC
The Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate. An AROC certifies you to communicate on aviation radio frequencies from the ground when operating near aerodromes, controlled airspace or manned aircraft.
We hope this cleared up the jargon. All Droneit course packages are flexible; browse all courses or get in touch to discuss your requirements.