But as a still fairly new trend, the rules around drone-use are not yet common knowledge, leaving people wondering things like: “Is that drone allowed to be flown over my house like that?”
We spoke to a safety advisor from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Rob Whittle, to clear up some commonly asked questions.
CASA is responsible for regulating and monitoring drone-use across the country.
What are the basic rules for flying a drone?
- Drones must not be flown higher that 120 metres above the ground
- Drones must be kept at least 30 metres away from other people
- The drone operator has to be able to see the drone with their own eyes at all time
- Drones that weigh more than 250 grams must be kept at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport
Do I need a licence to fly a drone?
Not if you’re just flying for fun.
You must get a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operator accreditation to fly a drone for all other reasons.
Can I fly a drone over someone’s house?
No. You are not legally allowed to fly over homes and private property including backyards and pools.
Mr Whittle said the rule was to maintain people’s privacy and safety and protecting property.
“If something on the drone was to fail, and caused it to fall out of the sky, it could pose a risk to the property or a person in that particular area,” he said.
“When a drone has an issue, you don’t know exactly where it’s going to go.”
Mr Whittle said failing drones had been known to smash roof tiles, while he had also heard of people being injured after being hit by falling drones.
What about down my street?
You technically can fly a drone down the road, however Mr Whittle has warned you could quickly come across hazards.
“You’ve got to realise though that there are sidewalks,” he said.
Mr Whittle said flying down the street would likely put the drone operator at risk of the drone coming within 30 metres of a person.
Can I fly a drone at the beach or at the park?
Only if there are not people around.
You have to keep the drone 30 metres away from people, so deserted beaches and parks are the only option.
If you come across a person, for example while hiking and using a drone in a national park, you must safely lower the drone as soon as possible.
What can I do if someone is flying a drone too close to me or my house?
CASA will investigate the report and do its best to contact the drone operator.
Mr Whittle said while complainants do not necessarily have to know who the drone operator is, they should do their best to provide any available information such as the address where the drone has come from and the operator’s appearance.
Fines of up to $1110 can be issued per offence to drone operators breaking the laws.
If the matter is taken to court, fines of up to $11,100 can be imposed.
Drone operators who interfere with an aircraft can be fined up to $26,000 or could face two years in prison.
Can I fly a drone at night?
You need to get a a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate or a remote pilot licence to fly a drone at night.