Here’s a summary of the key differences between the Excluded Category and a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC).

Purpose

  • Excluded Category: Suitable for commercial operators and private individuals under specific conditions without formal certification.
  • ReOC: This is designed for businesses and individuals aiming to operate drones commercially beyond the standard operating conditions. A ReOC allows more complex operations and operations using drones weighing more than 2kg over other people’s property with the landholder’s permission.

Operational Scope

  • Excluded Category: Limited to simple operations with small drones.
  • ReOC: Allows operations with larger drones, access to controlled airspace, night flights, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), and operations in populated areas.

Drone Weight Limit

  • Excluded Category: Up to 2 kg for commercial use and up to 25 kg for persons operating over their own land.
  • ReOC: No specific weight limit; commonly includes drones over 2 kg.

Certification Requirements

  • Excluded Category: No formal certification is required, but operators need to pass a short quiz on the CASA website unless they have a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). All excluded category operators must apply for accreditation on the CASA website.
  • ReOC: All pilots must hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

Documentation

  • Excluded Category: Only basic record-keeping is required.
  • ReOC: Requires a detailed Operations Manual and records of all flight operations and drone maintenance activities to be kept.

Operational Conditions

  • Excluded Category: Must adhere to standard operating conditions (SOC) including maintaining visual line of sight with their drone, maintaining 30m from people and clear of ‘populous areas’, flying only during the day, operating below 400 feet above the ground, only flying one drone at a time and staying away from aerodromes when other aircraft are operating.
  • ReOC: Must follow the conditions outlined in the ReOC and approved operational procedures. Approval may be obtained for operating outside of the standard conditions.

Ability to Hire Licensed Pilots

  • Excluded Category: Intended for individual pilot operators only. Accredited pilots are responsible for their own actions.  Hiring other pilots isn’t permitted.
  • ReOC: Can employ pilots with RePL, expanding operational capabilities.

Insurance Requirements

  • Excluded Category: Insurance is not mandatory but recommended for commercial operations.
  • ReOC: Comprehensive insurance covering public liability and equipment damage is recommended.

Application Process

  • Excluded Category: Simple online accreditation process without a formal application.
  • ReOC: Requires a formal application, an interview, and a demonstration of operational procedures.

Maintenance and Compliance

  • ReOC: Annual reviews, flight records, and regular updates to the Operations Manual are mandatory.
  • Excluded Category: Requires basic compliance with standard operating conditions, with no annual review needed.

This summary captures the essential differences between the ReOC and Excluded Category, providing a comparison for understanding the pathways to drone operations in Australia.