Can I Fly a Drone on the Gold Coast?

Can I fly a drone on the Gold Coast?

Yes, but only if the proposed flight complies with CASA’s current drone rules and any applicable airspace restrictions. A drone may be small, but it is an aircraft for regulatory purposes. Before flying, check CASA’s current guidance and the relevant airspace map or app.

For recreational operations, CASA’s standard rules generally require you to fly safely, keep the drone in visual line of sight, remain below 120 metres above ground level, stay at least 30 metres from people not involved in the flight, avoid flying over populous areas, and avoid emergency operations.¹

What are the basic CASA rules?

The appropriate rules depend on the aircraft, purpose of the flight and location. CASA’s standard recreational guidance includes the following practical requirements:

• Keep the drone within visual line of sight.
• Do not fly higher than 120 metres above ground level.
• Keep at least 30 metres away from people not involved in the flight.
• Do not fly over a populous area.
• Do not fly near emergency operations.
• Do not create a hazard for other aircraft, people or property.
• Check airport, heliport and controlled-airspace restrictions before flight.

CASA’s website is the authoritative current source for those conditions and any approvals that may be required.¹

Can I use FPV goggles?

First-person-view equipment does not remove the need to comply with visual-line-of-sight requirements. CASA’s rules and guidance must be checked for the particular operation, including whether an observer is needed and whether the flight can be conducted safely.¹

Does filming whales, beaches or events change the position?

It can. The location may be close to controlled airspace or emergency aircraft operations, and crowded beaches or events may raise populous-area and proximity-to-people issues. Recording people can also create separate privacy, surveillance, property-access or publication issues depending on the circumstances.

What happens if I breach the rules?

CASA can investigate suspected breaches. Outcomes depend on the facts and may include compliance action, infringement notices or more serious enforcement. Do not assume that online footage cannot be traced back to the operator.

What should I do before flying?

1. Check CASA’s current drone rules and map/app information.
2. Confirm the site is not near restricted, controlled or emergency airspace.
3. Inspect the drone and ensure the flight can remain within visual line of sight.
4. Check for people, crowds, wildlife and other aircraft activity.
5. Do not launch if the situation is uncertain.

Hear the on-air drone discussion in Legal Matters: drones, rental cars and parenting relocation .

References