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Guidelines for CDU Staff and Students Operating RPAS under the NACAS ReOC

Learn how to operate RPAS under the NACAS ReOC with detailed steps and requirements.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) staff and students may operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for CDU business. Operating RPAS over 2 kg (outside the Excluded Category) involves additional requirements.

The North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) holds a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC) for diverse RPAS operations, including Extended and Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS), night flights, operations near aerodromes or restricted areas, and above 400 ft. The NACAS fleet ranges from micro to large drones.

NACAS allows other CDU staff and students to join as remote pilots under the ReOC. Pilots must be approved as safe to fly by the CRP and adhere to NACAS procedures, including mission planning, approvals, and flight logs. Non-compliance may result in fines or loss of the ReOC.

All RPAS operations under the NACAS ReOC are overseen by the NACAS Chief Remote Pilot (CRP). Compliant flights are covered by third-party liability insurance with zero-dollar excess.

CDU staff and students can operate an RPAS under CDU Policy in the Excluded Category (RPAS < 2 kg) without joining the NACAS ReOC. Pilots in this category are not under NACAS authority or ReOC terms. For more information on Excluded Category operations at CDU, please click here.

Steps to Get Started

Step 1: Contact us

If you wish to be added to the NACAS ReOC, please contact the NACAS Chief Remote Pilot at RPAS@cdu.edu.au. Alternatively, click on the link below.

NACAS will accept RPAS pilots on a case-by-case basis, depending on the pilot’s accreditation level, experience, and the nature of the work.

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Step 2: Provide Documents

The following documents must be supplied to the NACAS Chief Remote Pilot before flying:

  • RePL Certificate

  • AROC Certificate

  • Copy of pilot logbook

  • Copy of other qualifications (e.g., BVLOS OCTA exam, Cert III Aviation (Remote Pilot)

Step 3: Undertake Inductions

Inductions (conducted by the Chief Remote Pilot) must be undertaken before flying:

  • General theory induction and type training endorsement on the RPAS of choice.

  • Competency in the FlyFreely flight management system and flight approval process.

  • NACAS operational processes aligned with CDU Policy and procedures for fieldwork.

Important information

RPAS

  • CDU staff and students may fly their own aircraft >2 kg. In this case, the RPAS must be registered with CASA using the NACAS Aviation Reference Number (ARN) to be then added to the NACAS ReOC. These RPAS will be maintained by the CDU Maintenance Controller and authorised for flight by the Chief Remote Pilot.

  • NACAS also has a range of aircraft and sensors available to pilots, but their use will depend on the pilot’s competency.

Costs

Service Cost (AUD) Description
Initial Setup Fee $4,500 Assistance with CASA compliance, aircraft registration, mission planning, flight approvals, record keeping, and ongoing support
Equipment Hire (optional) Varies Based on items, conditions, and flight time