To fly beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS), you must have a:
- remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC)
- remote pilot licence (RePL) with either:
- a pass in the Instrument Rating or BVLOS exam
- operate under the direct supervision of an individual who holds a pass in one of the exams (refer CASA EX27/23)
- BVLOS flight authorisation.
The requirements
To apply for a BVLOS flight authorisation, the chief remote pilot must:
- fill out Application for RPA flight authorisation (area approval / permission) form 101-09
- include supporting documents based on the SORA or a BVLOS standard scenario
- pay the estimated fee following review of your application, additional fees may apply if an RPAS Inspector must travel to complete the assessment
- complete an operational check (if this is your first BVLOS application).
Specific operations risk assessment method
You can apply using the specific operations risk assessment (SORA).
The Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) developed SORA. We adopted SORA in 2017.
In December 2022, JARUS published SORA 2.5 for public consultation. We anticipate CASA will provide an update on the transition to SORA 2.5 in late-2024. All applications must continue to use the SORA 2.0 until this time.
Apply using a specific operations risk assessment
You must submit your application based on the JARUS SORA (Package) and Standard Scenarios(JAR_doc_09).
You should familiarise yourself with the:
- JARUS guidelines on Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) V2.0
- JARUS guidelines on SORA Annex A V1.0.
If this is your first JARUS SORA application, you may wish to arrange a pre-application meeting to discuss the process. You can request a pre-application meeting through the enquiry form.
BVLOS standard scenarios
We have developed a suite of standard scenarios that you can use to apply for BVLOS operations with common characteristics.
For applications that meet the operational characteristics of one of the scenarios you may apply using the standard scenario applicant response:
- AU-STS 1: Applicant response - BVLOS operations near a vertical object(s) with a controlled ground environment
- AU-STS 2: Applicant response - BVLOS operations near a vertical object(s) with a sparsely populated ground environment
- AU-STS 4: Applicant response - BVLOS operations in a remote area within 3 NM of a registered or certified non-controlled aerodrome
- AU-STS 6: Applicant response - BVLOS operations in remote Australian airspace (below 400 ft AGL)
- AU-STS 7: Applicant response - BVLOS operations in remote Australian airspace (400 ft AGL to 5000 ft AMSL)
When completing your application please refer to:
Expiring BVLOS flight authorisations
You cannot renew BVLOS flight authorisations. You must submit a new application. It is recommended to submit applications at least 90 days from the intended commencement date.
BVLOS exam for remote pilots
The BVLOS exam is for RePL holders wanting to fly BVLOS outside of controlled airspace (OCTA) for an authorised ReOC holder.
Contact us
Have a question? Need help? You can contact us through our online enquiry form.
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