RPA/Drone risk management

The following topics should be considered for all proposed Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA) flights as part of a pre-flight risk assessment. Additional hazards may exist depending on the individual activity – these hazards should be identified and evaluated as part of overall risk management of the flight.

Airspace

Aerodromes and restricted areas

If you’re operating near an aerodrome or in restricted airspace, you need to check the rules and plan ahead.

Here’s what to do:

  • confirm if your flight is near a controlled or uncontrolled aerodrome, or in restricted or prohibited airspace
  • plan for any permissions or approvals from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) through the Chief Remote Pilot (CRP)
  • check restricted areas on aeronautical charts
  • use CASA’s drone safety apps to check for issues or restrictions

If you’re flying in certain airspace, you’ll also need to:

Flying indoors

You can operate drones indoors if you meet these requirements:

  • operate in a way that doesn’t pose a risk to people, property or other aircraft
  • make sure the drone can’t leave the indoor space if you’re within 5.5 km of a controlled aerodrome (e.g. enclosed by doors or netting)
  • keep at least 30 metres between the drone and any people
  • avoid flying over any areas where people gather

Meteorological conditions

Before you fly, check the Bureau of Meteorology for appropriate RPA flight conditions.

Keep in mind, flights are only permitted during daylight unless inducted for night flying by the Chief Remote Pilot and the flight has been approved with the necessary controls.

Environment

Identify hazards such as power lines, infrastructure and the general operating environment.

  • Keep your aircraft at least 30 metres away from people during flight.
  • Respect personal privacy – do not conduct flights within 100 metres of Monash Residential Services (MRS).
  • Do not conduct activities or fly in a manner that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property.
  • You must not fly over areas where – if the aircraft was to fail – it could hit someone. This could include flying over events, busy pedestrian traffic areas, or Monash University sporting grounds during activities.
  • Most Monash University campuses have flight height restrictions due to aircraft flight zones and proximity to landing sites. Keep your RPA below 45 metres on campus.

Follow the Monash University General Operating Conditions (pdf) and CASA regulations.

Emergency procedures

Establish emergency procedures that include:

  • maintenance of 30m separation from people/pedestrians at all times
  • RPA collision with infrastructure, plant or people
  • medical emergencies involving RPA pilot or flight crew members
  • technical malfunction, loss of control and communication with RPA
  • fire (as a result of battery malfunction, faulty wiring, etc.)
  • landing of RPA in the presence of manned aircraft
  • Presence of other RPA
  • other potential emergency scenarios identified during pre-flight planning.

Line of sight

  • Physical Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) of RPA must be maintained at all times during flight.
  • RPA operations are not permitted if cloud or fog impairs VLOS.
  • Deviation of VLOS conditions or the use of First Person View (FPV) headwear is prohibited unless approved by CASA.

Weight class authorisation

  • Pilots must hold an Operators Accreditation to operate any RPA under 7kg.
  • Pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) to operate any RPA above 7kg.
  • Pilots must adhere to the specific licence conditions on their Remote Pilot Licence.
  • Operation of RPA above 25kg are highly regulated and require additional testing and approval from CASA before a pilot is allowed to operate a drone in this category.

Operability

  • Pilots must ensure RPA functionality is safe for flight, including communication and battery systems.
  • Flight logs must demonstrate RPA maintenance schedules (as controlled by the Maintenance Controller).
  • Functional testing of controls and communication must be validated and noted by the pilot before flight.

Piloting

  • Flights of multiple RPA controlled by a single pilot are not permitted.
  • Autonomous RPA flights and swarms are not permitted without CASA approval.

Training

  • Pilots are registered with the Chief Remote Pilot.
  • All pilots must be inducted and conduct an in-person flight assessment by the Chief Remote Pilot or Deputy Chief Remote Pilot.
  • Pilots adhere to the requirements noted in the Drone Safety Management Procedure and any RePL requirements.

RPA staff health and wellbeing

  • Consider pilot and flight crew ergonomics and fatigue, such as excessive standing and holding of the controller.
  • Pilots and flight crew members cannot participate in RPA activities if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or substances.

Procedures and resources