Operator accreditation and drone registration
Currently, flying a drone or model aircraft for recreational and educational purposes at schools is considered 'flying for fun', and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) does not require drone users to obtain operator accreditation or register their drone.
However, if a drone is used to make money or advertise a school, this is considered commercial flying and additional accreditation and registration requirements apply.
Operator accreditation
Operator accreditation is free and valid for 3 years. It can be completed online by visiting . To get an operator accreditation, you need:
- to be 16 or older
- a myCASA account
- a digital or proof of , such as an Australian passport, Australian birth or citizenship certificate, or ImmiCard
- an individual aviation reference
- an understanding of the standard operating and the rules that apply to excluded category and micro remotely piloted aircraft
- to pass an online quiz
- to download and/or print your accreditation certificate from myCASA after you pass the quiz.
Students must be 16 or older to become an accredited operator. An accredited adult (over 18) must supervise students under 16 if they are operating a drone for commercial purposes. This requirement applies in addition to the Supervision of Students Policy.
More information about operator accreditation is available on the CASA website at Operator .
Drone registration
Drone registration can be completed online and is valid for 12 months. Drones weighing 500 g or less are free to register, and a $40 levy per drone applies to drones weighing more than 500 g.
To register a drone, you need:
- to be 16 or older
- a myCASA
- a digital or proof of
- an aviation reference
- the make, model, serial , weight and type of
- to download and/or print your certificate of registration from myCASA.
More information about drone registration is available on the CASA website at Register your . CASA has also produced a video about how to register your drone. Watch How to register your drone on or download transcript of How to register your drone .
Reviewed 19 July 2023