Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operator Accreditation - Australian Government

If you intend to operate a remotely piloted aircraft for business or as part of your job, you must get a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation, if your drone weighs:

• 250 g or less (a micro RPA)
• more than 250 g but no more than 2 kg (a very small RPA)
• more than 2 kg but no more than 25 kg and you only fly it over your own land (a small RPA).

You can learn more about each type by reading about drone weight categories and requirements.

You must get an operator accreditation if you fly for business or as part of your job, including, but not limited to:

• selling photos or videos taken from a drone
• inspecting industrial equipment, construction sites or infrastructure
• monitoring, surveillance or security services
• research and development
• any drone activities for your employer.

You do not need an operator accreditation if:

• you hold a remote pilot licence (RePL)
• you hold a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC) 
• you’re flying for fun, including model aircraft association members flying at CASA-approved model airfields.

You must also register your drone before you can fly.