What Are the CASA Rules for Recreational Drone Flying?

What are the CASA rules for recreational drone flying?

Recreational drone flying is subject to CASA safety rules even if the drone is small and the flight is only for fun. The standard rules focus on avoiding hazards to aircraft, people and property, and on operating within conditions that allow the pilot to remain in control.¹

The standard rules are a starting point

CASA’s recreational guidance includes keeping the drone within visual line of sight, flying no higher than 120 metres above ground level, keeping clear of people not involved in the flight, flying only in appropriate daylight and visibility conditions, and not creating a hazard.¹

A drone may be capable of flying much further or higher than the standard rules allow. Its technical capability does not determine what is lawful.

Keep the drone where you can see it

Visual line of sight means more than having a live camera feed on a phone or controller. The operator must be able to see the drone and operate safely. This is especially important around trees, buildings, coastline, changing wind and other aircraft.

FPV goggles and longer-distance operations raise additional issues. See Are FPV goggles, night flying and beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights legal? .

Height, people and populous areas

Do not fly above the current CASA height limit. Keep the required separation from people who are not involved in the flight, and do not fly over or in a populous area where a failure could create a risk to people on the ground.²

A beach, sports field or park can be unsuitable even if it looks open at first glance. Conditions can change quickly as people arrive, an event begins or emergency activity occurs. Read Can I fly a drone over beaches, parks or crowds? .

Airports and emergency activity require extra caution

Airspace restrictions are not optional. Controlled airports, other aerodromes, heliports, approach and departure paths, emergency operations and manned aircraft require careful attention. Check current CASA information and the applicable map or app before launch; do not rely on memory or a generic distance rule.

See Can I fly a drone near an airport or helicopter landing site? .

A practical pre-flight checklist

• Confirm the flight is recreational and check whether other requirements apply.
• Check CASA’s current rules, notices and map/app information.
• Assess airspace, weather, light and emergency activity.
• Keep the drone within visual line of sight.
• Confirm that people can be kept safely separated.
• Stay below the applicable height limit.
• Do not launch near airports, crowds or a developing incident if you are uncertain.
• Stop flying if conditions change.

Related drone-law resources

For location-specific Gold Coast guidance, see Can I fly a drone on the Gold Coast? . You can also read what happens if drone rules are broken or listen to the Legal Matters discussion .

References