Australia Cracks Down On High-Flying Drones: New Regulations Mandate Airline Approval For Autonomous Operations

Regulations for Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in Australia

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has established guidelines for drone operations. The DJI Dock 2, as an automated drone solution with remote pilot control, falls under specific categories that require CASA authorization from the National Aviation Authority (NAA) beyond the pilots’ line of sight.

Key BVLOS Flight Approval

There are four ways to obtain authorization:

1. Standard Scenario: These scenarios provide a structured framework for operators to demonstrate compliance with safety requirements, streamlining the application process.

CASA and DJI Dock2 operational requirements for obtaining approval for flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight can be found on the CASA official website: www.casa.gov.au.

Manufacturer Support

DJI provides product-related documentation to assist end-users in preparing the SORA and Concept of Operations (ConOps), including:

• DJI Dock2 Operations Manual
• DJI Dock2 Functional Hazard Assessment report
• DJI Manufacturer Declaration
• Robustness Report for DJI Dock 2

Regulatory Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia’s regulatory body for civil aviation safety. CASA regulates and oversees aviation safety in Australia, ensuring that both national and international aviation operations meet stringent safety standards.

To fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), you must obtain approval from the National Aviation Authority (NAA). This involves:

1. Performing a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA): Identify operational risks and determine necessary mitigation measures.
2. Preparing Documentation: Prepare all required documentation, including risk assessment reports, operational procedures, and evidence of compliance with safety objectives.
3. Submitting Application to NAA: Submit your application along with all prepared documentation to the relevant NAA.
4. Undergoing Review Process by NAA: The NAA will review your submission to evaluate the proposed operation and the effectiveness of your risk mitigations.

DJI Dock2 Operations Manual, Functional Hazard Assessment report, and Manufacturer Declaration are essential documents for preparing the SORA and ConOps.