Remotely Piloted

Aircraft in civil airspace

D14/264674

TERMINOLOGY

Unmanned aircraft system

Remotely-piloted aircraft

Remote pilot station

Remotely-piloted aircraft system

Remote pilot

Remote Pilot License

Remote crew member

RPA observer

UAS operator certificate

Detect and avoid

UAS (umbrella term)

RPA

RPS

RPAS (RPA+RPS+C2)

RPL

UOC (AOC comp.)

D&A

RPAs

Global Hawk

ScanEagle

RPAs as a Tool

• RPA’s are able to carry a vast array of payloads from

simple cameras through thermal and IR imagery to

LIDAR and multi sectoral sensors

• CASA is engaged with manufacturers and operators of

large and small RPAs, examining ways in which they

can be used and developed within many industries

• RPAs have become a recognised cost effective tool for

surveying and photo geometry

RPAs as a Tool in the Mining Industry

• CASA understands the importance of using RPAs as a

means of improving productivity within the mining sector

• CASA also understands that the use of RPA can often

remove humans from situations that would be

considered high risk or highly fatiguing

• From CASA’s perspective, safety in all aspects,

including use of airspace, is the prime consideration:

this takes precedence over any considerations of

economic viability

CASA’s regulatory framework • The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) Part

101 was promulgated in 2002

• A Notice of Proposed Rule Making has recently been

published to address concerns with, and update, the

current regulation to reflect ICAO and terminology

changes

• A new rule part, specific to commercial RPAs, is also

under early consideration and will most likely move to

the consultation phase late next year.

• Our theory and thinking for the new regulatory

framework is based on the management of risk and

applying a competency based approach rather than

prescriptive regulation

RPA Classification by Weight

• CASA considers RPA of 2 kg and below have a low

kinetic energy, pose little risk to aviation and have a low

potential for harm to people and property on the ground.

• By coupling this weight with a set of operational

restrictions reduces the risk.

• RPA of 2 kg and below while they are being operated

under the standard RPA operating conditions will not

need a UOC.

• RPA above 2 kg and all RPA operating outside of the

standard RPA operating conditions will need a UOC.

•

RPA Classification Current Proposed

Small < 150 kg Small <2 kg

Med 2-150kg

Large >150 kg Lge - > 150 kg

Future

Small - < 20 kg

Med - 20 – 600 kg

Lge - > 600 kg

Process for approving RPA Operations

• The current process for obtaining an RPA operator’s

certificate, while rigorous, is quite straight forward and

relatively inexpensive

• All operators must have a CASA-issued Controller’s

Certificate, and all organisations using RPA must have

an organisational approval; known as an Unmanned

Operators Certificate - this still applies in remote areas

and on private property

• Without these you cannot gain insurance to cover the

operation of the RPA

Process for approving RPA Operations

• CASA offers extensive information and support for

prospective RPA controllers and UOC holders

• Currently the process for gaining approval as a UOC

holder is taking an average of 8 weeks

• To gain a controller certificate a person may attend an

approved basic RPAS training school, or self study and

undertake the PPL theory exam and obtain training from

the RPA manufacturer

• The best place to start is to look at the CASA website, or

contact the RPAS team here: uas@casa.gov.au

Regulation of administered airspace

• CASA has carriage of regulating Australian-administered

airspace - however CASA alone does not manage

Australian airspace

• CASA, Air Services Australia and Defence all have roles

in managing and controlling parts of the airspace

• In some cases, for operations in certain areas, all three

bodies must consult to form a view on whether the

operation can be undertaken safely.

Privacy concerns

• CASA has no regulatory powers in this area

• Dealing with matters related to privacy is a matter for

the Australian Privacy Commissioner

• CASA does however encourage all approved operators

to adopt a fly neighbourly policy

Challenges

• Rapidly changing technology

• Massive growth in the volume and types of operations to

which RPAS are tasked

• Quality and reliability of the system

• Level of autonomy

• Operations beyond visual line of sight

• Multiple area approvals

• CASA surveillance of operations

Human Factors • Beyond visual line of sight

• Fatigue

• Informed detect and avoid

• Accidents and incidents

– Reporting

– Investigation

– Corrective action

Thank You

• Questions