In ensuring the safe integration of drone delivery operations into Australian airspace, we systematically assess potential risks.
This includes:
- establishing an acceptable level of safety
- maintaining safety of all airspace users
- minimising potential harm to the public
- upholding overall aviation safety standards.
There are 2 approved drone delivery services in Australia:
- Wing Aviation Pty Ltd delivers supplies on-demand to customers who live in a 10 km radius from a base station. This includes food and drinks, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, hardware items, or recreational supplies.
- Swoop Aero deliver medical supplies and equipment in a 60 km radius from 2 base stations.
Approved delivery locations
We have approved Wing to operate ongoing drone deliveries in North Canberra (ACT) and Logan (QLD).
Wing's delivery service is available to eligible homes in Logan and Ipswich in Queensland and Gungahlin and Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.
We have approved Swoop Aero to operate drone deliveries within 60km of bases located in Toowoomba and Goondiwindi.
Check the drone delivery service providers website for eligible delivery locations.
Operating times
Wing approved hours of operation are:
- Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm
- Sunday and public holidays from 8am to 8pm
Swoop Aero approved hours of operation are:
- Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm
- Sunday and public holidays 9am to 6pm
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts may impose additional operational restrictions.
Your safety
We have licensed and certified Wing and Swoop Aero as drone operators. They always have a licensed drone pilot at the helm. They’ve submitted safety cases as part of their applications which include information about how reliable their drones are.
Wing and Swoop Aero have satisfied our requirements to operate safely and meet all safety requirements.
We have also permitted Wing to operate in closer proximity to a person than our regulations normally permit.
While an accident is unlikely to occur, Wing and Swoop Aero pilots know if any of their drones run outside a programmed flight. If this happens and it's safer to do so, pilots may decide to land the aircraft immediately rather than continue the flight.
In the unlikely event a problem occurs, drones will automatically land slowly. Flashing strobe lights will help you see them clearly. Wing and Swoop Aero's emergency response plans will also send a crew vehicle to the landing site.
If a drone lands on your property, leave it alone – an operator will be on the way.
Noise complaints
As the safety regulator, the issue of aircraft or drone noise is not part of our role. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts manages drone noise.
Our responsibility is to make sure, as far as we can, that we consider and minimise environmental impacts from drone operation.
When approving Wing and Swoop Aero, we considered environmental impacts and imposed conditions on their operations. This included using quieter drones.
Contact the Department to give feedback or complain about noise from drones.
Privacy complaints
If you have any privacy concerns, we encourage you to read the relevant operator's privacy policies and tell them about any issues.
If you don't get a response in 30 days or are unhappy with their response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Contacts
- Contact the Wing Australian team
- Swoop Aero
- Report unsafe drone operations
- The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts undertook an assessment of Wing's proposed operations
- Airservices handles complaints and enquiries about aircraft noise, including drones, through its Noise Complaint and Information Service (NCIS).
Contact us
Have a question? Need some help?
You can contact us through our online enquiry form.
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