Flight Authorisations and Airspace Constraints
Airspace basics
Australian airspace is divided into controlled and uncontrolled airspace. Controlled airspace surrounds major airports and requires an air traffic control clearance, which drone operators generally cannot obtain without specific authorisation. You must not fly in controlled airspace, near aerodromes, or in restricted or prohibited areas without approval. Common traps include assuming that flying below 120 m is always allowed; altitude limits do not override airspace restrictions.
Standard operating limits
Unless approved otherwise, keep the drone at or below 120 m above ground level, remain within VLOS, and stay at least 5.5 km from controlled aerodromes. Do not fly within 30 m of people not associated with the operation, and never over crowds. Check for temporary restrictions such as firefighting operations, public events and emergency zones.
Authorisations
Where an operation falls outside the standard rules, you need an authorisation. This may be an area approval, a flight approval, or an operations approval depending on the risk. Applications usually require a safety case, risk assessment and evidence of competency. A frequent exam trap is thinking that holding an ReOC automatically grants access to all airspace; it does not. Each non-standard operation needs its own approval.
Worked example
A pilot wants to film a sporting event in controlled airspace near an airport. Holding accreditation is not enough; they need specific airspace authorisation, coordination with air traffic control, and a risk assessment covering crowd overflight.
Rule of thumb
Before flight, check three things: airspace class, distance from aerodromes, and temporary restrictions. If any is unclear, do not fly until you have written approval.