Action is being taken to reduce the red tape burden on remotely piloted aircraft operators.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia are working to streamline approval processes for commercial drone operators around civil controlled aerodromes.
A new digital, automated process for some remotely piloted aircraft operations near controlled aerodromes will be trialled, reducing application processing times from weeks to seconds.
The initiative will save approved commercial drone operators time and money, and cut down on paper-based forms.
The trial to commence late April will take place at three aerodromes.
The chief pilot of remotely piloted aircraft operator certificate holders will be able to apply through a CASA-verified drone safety app for approval to fly in designated areas within three nautical miles of the aerodromes.
The approval, where safe to do so, will be given in real time as long as required conditions can be met. The digital process will be delivered…
