Operator Accreditation, Certification and Record Keeping
Accreditation versus certification
Operator accreditation is the entry-level pathway for recreational and excluded-category operators. It is obtained by completing an online course and assessment, and it attaches to the individual, not the drone. Certification is a higher tier for complex operations and requires a remote pilot licence (RePL) plus a remote operator's certificate (ReOC) held by the organisation. A common trap is mixing these up: accreditation is for individuals flying excluded-category operations, while certification is for organisations conducting certified operations.
Remote pilot licence
The RePL is the individual competency qualification. It is issued after training and assessment with an approved provider and is required for certified operations. The ReOC is issued to the operator (usually a company) and authorises the organisation to conduct certified operations.
Record keeping
Operators must keep records that demonstrate compliance. Typical records include registration details, accreditation or licence numbers, flight logs, maintenance records, incident reports and training records. Records should be retained for the period specified by the regulator and made available on request. A frequent exam trap is assuming records are only needed for commercial flights; they are required whenever the rules impose them.
Worked example
A sole trader flying a 1.5 kg drone for real estate photography in a standard operation needs operator accreditation and drone registration. If the operation becomes complex, such as beyond visual line of sight, the individual needs an RePL and the business needs an ReOC.
Rule of thumb
Ask: "Who is flying, and who is responsible?" The individual holds accreditation or the RePL; the organisation holds the ReOC. Keep records as if an audit is tomorrow.