The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA) has published the results of its consultation on draft policy regarding ground risk in drone operations.
CASA said respondents “broadly supported” the policy while highlighting the need for practical guidance, clearer requirements and proportionate approval processes.
The authority’s Policy Proposal PP 2609US outlined the current approach to enabling and regulating drone operations over or near people (OONP), and proposed a more proportionate, risk-based framework.
The proposal identified gaps in controls for potentially unmitigated risks and changes to address them. It also sought to expand access to these operations while maintaining appropriate safety outcomes for people on the ground.
A common theme from multiple respondents to the consultation was that some changes are too restrictive. In particular, the requirement to obtain a remote pilot’s licence was viewed as
unnecessary for safe operations and too costly for the operation of drones 250g or less, especially for recreational flyers. Some respondents suggested the proposal should be extended to drone operator accreditation holders who are permitted to operate in the excluded category, with specific OONP-related questions to be included in the accreditation test.
Additionally, limiting the proposal to drones that weigh 250g or less, and within existing standard drone safety rules, was also perceived by some respondents as too limiting. Several respondents described the proposal as a needed or logical change, more proportionate with the risk
and consequence of the operation or commented positively on the proposed shift towards more outcome-based and less prescriptive rules.
Other respondents said they would prefer a more prescriptive approach, suggesting controls be required for safety such as additional operating height limitations below the 400 ft limitation, such as a maximum operating height of 100 ft, mandatory laceration-protection such as shrouds, obstacle avoidance systems, speed limits, reduced minimum distances from people, and notification and consent from people before operating.
The consultation received 185 responses from commercial operators, remote pilots, recreational flyers, organisations and members of the public.
The feedback will inform CASA’s policy development and work to support any future changes. This may include guidance, updated assessment frameworks, training resources and transition arrangements.
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