Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said on August 6 that holders of remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) who obtain CASA approval to fly over or near people, no longer need a separate exemption to fly in a populated area.
Previously, ReOC holders had to obtain both approval to fly over or near people as well as an exemption to fly in a populated area. To make it quicker, easier and reduce costs for operators, CASA has introduced a general exemption. This means that once an operator has CASA approval to fly over or near people, they automatically have permission to fly in a populated area as well. Conditions of the approval must be followed.
This exemption is not a blanket permission for everyone. It only applies to ReOC holders who get CASA approval and meet the requirements in the authority’s Temporary Management Instruction – RPA operations over or near people.
The Exemption Instrument (CASA EX45/24) has been signed and will be published online, at Part 101 of CASR unmanned aircraft and rockets | legislative instruments.
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