FAQ's

How much time does an RePL course take?

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

Do you take group bookings?

Absolutely, please get in contact with us. Our minimum group size is three students which allows 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.

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

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.

What Is an AROC and do I need one?

AROC stands for Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate and is a stand alone 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.

I have never flown a drone before will I like it and how hard is it?

There is skill involved in flying a drone safely and reliably, however it is also a lot of fun. We tailor our flight packages individually by completing all our flight training one on one. This way we can ensure that you learn at a pace to suit each students skill and requirements ensuring that you achieve the highest level of skill in the minimum amount of flight time. You’ll be fine.

I hold a Part 61 Flight Crew License and want to fly drones, what do I need?

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).

I’m a total ace with my drone, so I wont need to do the practical stuff right?

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).

Do I need an RePL to fly my drone?

If you're flying your drone for "sport or recreation" and to share videos with your friends, then the operation is not considered commercial.

If you're flying for money or for any form of reward the operation is considered commercial and may need an RePL if it doesn’t meet any of the following criteria:

The aircraft being flown is 2KG or less within the Standard Operating Conditions (for more details please follow the link to the CASA website). We offer an Introduction to Drones course which as the name suggests give you an overview of the aircraft and its components along with several hours behind the sticks. Please note that you will still need CASA accreditation and to register your drone to fly for commercial purposes.
The aircraft is under 25kg and being operated over private property (owned or occupied by the operator) for the purposes of agriculture.

All other applications will require both an RePL and coverage under an ReOC to comply with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations part 101.

Do I need an ReOC?

Yes, 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.