Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is launching a 12-month trial to make beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) approvals more accessible.
The trial starts on October 13 and introduces four new broad area approval pathways under a Temporary Management Instruction (TMI 2025-03). These pathways are designed to reduce hurdles and provide Australia-wide approvals while ensuring safety.
The pathways apply to the small drone category (25kg or under) and are available to remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) holders. Each pathway sets conditions based on the drone’s size and the environment it will be flown. Smaller drones may be approved in suburban areas. Larger drones may be approved in lightly or sparsely populated areas.
Operators must update their documented practices and procedures, nominate a responsible person and apply to CASA. Approvals will be issued for 12 months. During this time, CASA will collect data to assess the trial. This evidence will guide future BVLOS policy, as well as consultation through the post implementation review.
CASA says the new pathways are likely to support uses in emergency services, agriculture, infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring.
For more information
