Drone Weight Categories and Registration Requirements
Weight classes that matter
Australian rules sort drones by weight because weight drives registration and accreditation obligations. The key thresholds are 250 g, 2 kg, 25 kg and 150 kg. Drones under 250 g are generally excluded from registration and accreditation requirements when flown recreationally, but the general safety rules still apply. Drones of 250 g or more must be registered, and the operator must hold an operator accreditation (for recreational or excluded-category flying) or a remote pilot licence (for certified operations).
Registration basics
Registration is tied to the drone, not the person, and must be renewed. You must display the registration number on the drone in the prescribed manner. If you sell or transfer a drone, the registration does not automatically follow the new owner; they must register it themselves. A common exam trap is assuming registration covers multiple aircraft; each drone needs its own registration.
Excluded category
The excluded category covers drones between 250 g and 2 kg flown recreationally or in standard operations, and drones between 2 kg and 25 kg flown in standard operations. Drones over 25 kg generally fall outside the excluded category and require certification.
Worked example
A 249 g drone flown for fun needs no registration or accreditation, but a 251 g drone flown for fun needs both registration and operator accreditation. A 3 kg drone flown commercially in a standard operation falls in the excluded category and requires registration plus accreditation or a licence.
Traps to watch
Questions often blur recreational and commercial use. Commercial use does not automatically mean certification, but it does require the correct accreditation or licence and registration.