Drone Safety Rules and General Operating Requirements
The core operating rules
Australian drone safety rules are built around a small set of obligations that apply to every flight, regardless of weight or category. You must only fly in daylight, keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times without using aids such as binoculars or FPV goggles alone, and never fly in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property. You must not fly over people, and you must stay clear of emergency operations and public safety incidents.
Right of way and separation
Manned aircraft always have right of way. You must give way to all other aircraft and land as soon as safely possible if a manned aircraft is nearby. A common exam trap is confusing the 30 metre rule with the "do not overfly" rule: the 30 metre separation applies to people not associated with the flight, while overflying a person at any height is prohibited under the general operating rules unless you hold the appropriate approval.
Drugs, alcohol and fitness
You must not operate while affected by alcohol or drugs, and you must not operate from a moving vehicle unless it is not transporting people. Respect privacy and do not fly over private property in a way that breaches surveillance or privacy law.
Worked rule of thumb
Use the "SEE and AVOID" checklist before every flight: Separation (people, property, other aircraft), Environment (weather, obstacles, airspace), Endurance (battery, return-to-home altitude). If any item fails, do not launch.
Common traps
Questions often test whether you know that VLOS is a legal requirement, not a suggestion, and that flying at night requires specific approval and lighting. Another trap is assuming a drone under 250 g is exempt from all rules; the general safety obligations still apply.