CASA RPA Accreditation flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Maximum height limit

Under standard operating conditions a drone must not be flown higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level, measured from the ground directly below the aircraft.

Visual line of sight

The remote pilot must see the aircraft directly with unaided eyesight, not through goggles or a screen, in order to monitor its flight path and detect conflicting traffic.

Manned aircraft right of way

Manned aircraft always have right of way. If one is sighted, the drone pilot must descend, move away, and land as soon as safely possible to avoid a collision.

30 metre horizontal separation

Drones must not be flown closer than 30 metres horizontally to people not involved in the operation, and must never be flown directly over their heads.

Emergency scene restriction

Drone flight over or near an emergency operation, such as a fire, crash, or rescue, is prohibited without authorisation because it can endanger responding aircraft and personnel.

Aerodrome 5.5 km rule

Flight within 5.5 kilometres (3 nautical miles) of an aerodrome or helicopter landing site requires the relevant authority's permission and must not interfere with aircraft movements.

Daylight operating condition

Standard operations are limited to daylight hours; flying at night requires additional authorisation, lighting, and competency beyond the basic operating conditions.

Fit for duty

A remote pilot must not operate while affected by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, because impaired judgement directly threatens people, property, and other airspace users.

Micro drone category

A drone with a maximum take-off weight under 250 grams. Recreational use of these aircraft is excluded from registration and accreditation requirements.

Very small drone category

A drone weighing 250 grams or more but under 2 kilograms. Recreational operation requires registration of the aircraft and operator accreditation.

Small drone category

A drone weighing 2 kilograms or more but under 25 kilograms, which is the upper limit for excluded-category operations under standard conditions.

Medium and large categories

Medium covers 25 kilograms up to under 150 kilograms; large covers 150 kilograms and above. Both require certification beyond basic accreditation.

Maximum take-off weight

The total weight of the drone at launch, including batteries, payload, and attached equipment. This figure determines which weight category and rules apply.

Registration applies to aircraft

Registration is recorded against each individual drone, which carries or displays its registration number, and details must be updated when they change.

Accreditation applies to operator

Operator accreditation belongs to the person or organisation, not the aircraft, and covers every drone flown under that operator's authority.

Commercial use registration

Any drone flown for business or commercial purposes must be registered regardless of its weight, even if it weighs less than 250 grams.

Operator accreditation

A credential obtained by completing an online course and assessment, required for recreational operators of drones 250 grams or more and valid for three years.

Remote pilot licence

A licence held by an individual after training and assessment with an approved provider, required to fly outside the excluded category of operations.

Remote operator's certificate

An organisational certificate allowing operations beyond the excluded category. It requires an approved chief remote pilot and documented safety and operational procedures.

Flight log contents

Records should capture date, time, location, remote pilot name, aircraft identification, duration, and any incidents, forming the core evidence of compliant operations.

Record retention period

Operational records such as flight logs, maintenance entries, and incident reports must be retained for the period set by the regulator and produced during audits.

Non-transferable accreditation

Accreditation cannot be sold or passed to another person or entity. A new operator must obtain its own accreditation or certificate before flying.

Incident reporting duty

Accidents and serious incidents must be reported to the regulator and, where applicable, the transport safety bureau, with evidence preserved for investigation.

Chief remote pilot

The nominated person within a certified operator who is accountable for remote pilot competency, procedures, and compliance with the operator's certificate conditions.

Controlled airspace

Airspace where air traffic control provides separation services. Drone flight there requires clearance or an approved area approval before launch.

Area approval

An authorisation for a defined location, altitude band, and time window, allowing operations that would otherwise breach standard conditions. It must be accessible during flight.

NOTAM check

A notice to airmen advising temporary airspace changes such as firefighting activity or restricted zones. It must be reviewed before every flight.

Beyond visual line of sight

Operating when the pilot cannot see the aircraft directly. This requires specific authorisation, because see-and-avoid capability is lost and risk increases.

Payload release approval

Dropping or releasing items from a drone is not permitted under standard conditions and requires a specific authorisation covering the operation.

Night operation authorisation

Flying outside daylight hours requires approval plus aircraft lighting and pilot competency, because see-and-avoid and orientation are significantly harder.

Crowd and public safety zones

Flight over crowds, public safety operations, or critical infrastructure may need permission from the relevant authority in addition to any aviation approval.

Foreign operator requirements

Operators visiting Australia must comply with local registration and accreditation rules, and their aircraft must meet Australian requirements before flight.