Commercial drone operators can now apply for fast authorisations to fly safely in controlled areas at Broome, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Essendon, Hobart, and Melbourne airports in Australia under an expansion of the Automated Airspace Authorisations Trial (AAAT).
Launched by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia in May 2021, the trial has simplified airspace access for eligible commercial drone operators by streamlining access to traditionally restricted areas, including around some capital city airports and other locations. CASA says more than 1,400 automated flight authorisations have been processed, saving industry more than AUSD1.2 million in application fees.
The new locations are expected to create more opportunities for innovation and growth in the commercial drone sector.
Participating chief remote pilots can apply for authorisations through participating CASA-verified drone safety apps, with approvals granted in near real-time for flight requests submitted up to 30 days in advance. Flights are limited to daylight hours using registered drones under 25 kilograms. Approved operations do not require prior notification to air traffic control or the issuing of Notice to Airmen (or NOTAM).
To qualify, operators need to hold a current remotely piloted operator’s certificate (ReOC), and flight requests must meet strict conditions regarding location, altitude, and drone specifications. Each request undergoes thorough verification to ensure the safety of other airspace users, including standard airport and crewed aircraft operations.
Australia’s Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem will be underpinned by Airservices Australia’s Flight Information Management System (FIMS) that is scheduled to go live in late 2025. CASA and Airservices Australia recently announced the extension of the AAAT to November 2026.
There is no cost to participate in the trial and no restrictions on the number of authorisations that can be granted.
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