Flying drones/Remotely Piloted Aircraft at Alice Springs Airport
As drones continue to soar in popularity, users must inform themselves of how and where they may operate a drone, whether they need to be licensed and the dangers of flying drones near airports.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has developed rules and regulations strictly prohibiting unmanned aircraft from being flown in a manner that creates a hazard to an aircraft.
Australia's safety laws for drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”), also known as remotely piloted aircraft (“RPA”), as defined in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101, vary depending on whether you are flying recreationally, sports or for commercial purposes.
Detailed information surrounding CASA’s regulations for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) usage can be found at: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/get-your-operator-credentials/remotely-p…
Recreational use
Due to safety concerns the recreational / sport flying of drones, UAVs or RPA is not permitted.
Commercial use
There are certain situations, for commercial purposes only, where permission may be granted to operate a drone at or near Alice Springs Airport. When flying for money, or any form of economic gain, you may need to be licensed and certified as an operator, or work for a certified operator.
Check the CASA webpage for commercial drone operations first to see what you need to know.
Alice Springs Airport Management has adopted this policy to ensure the safety and privacy of our visitors, staff, residents, and our airport tenants. RPA use that is in breach of any regulation will be reported to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which can impose infringement notices of up to $8,500 per offence.
In addition to all regulatory approvals, Alice Springs Airport Pty Ltd approval is required. For approval for commercial use of RPA’s please download and complete the Commercial RPA/UAV/Drone request form. Please allow three working days for your application to be assessed. If your intended RPA usage is for filming purposes please also complete a Filming and Photography application form. Once complete, scan and email the form/s to the Operations Team at operationsasp2@ntairports.com.au with any supporting documentation.
Helpful information
Information surrounding CASA’s regulations for RPA usage can be found at: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/drone-rules.
Information surrounding Airservices RPA policy can be found at: http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/services/unmanned-aerial-systems-in-controlled-airspace/.
Alice Springs Airport Management encourages the reporting of the illegal usage of RPAs at Alice Springs Airport and surrounds. This can be done through CASA at: https://www.casa.gov.au/webform/report-unsafe-drone-operations.
