Question 1

What's the duration of an RePL course?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the mode of study, an RePL course normally takes 4-6 days to complete. This typically includes 16 hours of classroom time (either virtual or physical), 4 hours for exams, and 8 hours to complete flight training. The remaining time is usually taken up with self-study and revision to prepare for the exams.

Question 2

Do you take group bookings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Please get in contact with us. Our minimum group size is three students, allowing you to select dates that work for your group. Depending on group size and location, we may also be able to travel to you and run your course onsite.

Question 3

What's an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

An ARN put simply is a personal identification number a bit like a tax file number. All aviation activities are linked back to your ARN be it registering your drone, your RePL or you Airband Radio Operators Certificate so you will absolutely need one before you get started. Thankfully they are easy to get by visiting the CASA website.

Question 4

What is an AROC and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

AROC stands for Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate and is a standalone piece of certification. For most people, if you are not intending to work near areas of dense aviation activity such as airports and in controlled airspace, an AROC is unnecessary unless you intend to be a Chief Remote Pilot.

Question 5

I have never flown a drone before. How hard is it?

Accepted Answer

Flying a drone safely and reliably requires skill, but it is also a lot of fun. We tailor our flight packages individually by providing one-on-one flight training. This ensures that you learn at a pace that suits your skill level and requirements, helping you achieve the highest level of skill in the minimum amount of flight time. You’ll be fine.

Question 6

I hold a Part 61 Flight Crew License, what training do I need?

Accepted Answer

Your flight crew license accounts for a big chunk of the theory and will save you a lot of time. Our upgrade courses will deliver you the aircraft specific theory and exam along with practical aspects of flying an RPA. We have a variety of upgrade courses, including multirotor, Aeroplane and Powered Lift with various weight classes. You need a minimum of 5 hours flight time before you can register for a Remote Pilot License (RePL).

Question 7

I already fly drone do I still need to do the practical stuff?

Accepted Answer

That’s great, with that level of skill you should sail through. To obtain an RePL you're required to have a minimum of 5 hours flight time. If you have recorded previous hours on your own drone, these can make up part of those hours and you’ll only require the hours to meet competency (we can have a play around with other aircraft though).
(Please note: All previous hours must be appropriately logged and inclusion of those hours is up to instructors discretion).

Question 8

Do I need an RePL to fly my drone?

Accepted Answer

If you're flying your drone for sport or recreation and sharing videos with friends, the operation is not considered commercial. However, if you're flying for money or any form of reward, the operation is considered commercial and may require an RePL unless it meets the following criteria:

- The aircraft is 2KG or less and operated within the Standard Operating Conditions (for more details, please visit the CASA website).
- The aircraft is under 25kg and operated over private property (owned or occupied by the operator) for agricultural purposes.

We offer an Introduction to Drones course that provides an overview of the aircraft and its components, along with several hours of hands-on training. Please note that you will still need CASA accreditation and to register your drone for commercial purposes. All other applications will require both an RePL and coverage under an ReOC to comply with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations part 101.

Question 9

Do I need an ReOC?

Accepted Answer

If you're flying commercially outside of the excluded category (any aircraft above 2KG or any conditions outside the standard operating conditions) you are indeed required to operate under a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC). While an RePL is issued to and individual an ReOC is issued to an organization and can cover all pilots’ operation for that organization.
​
​A useful analogy of how an RePL and ReOC interact is that of a taxi company. A taxi company requires a business license to transport people which covers the entire organisation and each taxi driver working under this certification requires a commercial driver’s license.​ The same is true for an ReOC and an RePL where the ReOC is the general company certification where multiple RePL certified pilots can work under.

T100 Upgrade Training now Available!

Medium category upgrade training available in Ballan, Bendigo and Warrnambool

Australia's most established CASA certified Drone training organisation.

Train one-on-one with industry experts and become not just qualified but industry ready!

T100 Upgrade Training now Available!

Medium category upgrade training available in Ballan, Bendigo and Warrnambool

Australia's most established CASA certified Drone training organisation. ​

Train one-on-one with industry experts and become not just qualified but industry ready!

Australia's most established CASA certified Drone training organisation.