Remotely Piloted
Aircraft in civil airspace
D14/264674
TERMINOLOGY
Unmanned aircraft system
Remotely-piloted aircraft
Remote pilot station
Remotely-piloted aircraft system
Remote pilot
Remote Pilot License
Remote crew member
RPA observer
UAS operator certificate
Detect and avoid
UAS (umbrella term)
RPA
RPS
RPAS (RPA+RPS+C2)
RPL
UOC (AOC comp.)
D&A
RPAs
Global Hawk
ScanEagle
RPAs as a Tool
• RPA’s are able to carry a vast array of payloads from
simple cameras through thermal and IR imagery to
LIDAR and multi sectoral sensors
• CASA is engaged with manufacturers and operators of
large and small RPAs, examining ways in which they
can be used and developed within many industries
• RPAs have become a recognised cost effective tool for
surveying and photo geometry
RPAs as a Tool in the Mining Industry
• CASA understands the importance of using RPAs as a
means of improving productivity within the mining sector
• CASA also understands that the use of RPA can often
remove humans from situations that would be
considered high risk or highly fatiguing
• From CASA’s perspective, safety in all aspects,
including use of airspace, is the prime consideration:
this takes precedence over any considerations of
economic viability
CASA’s regulatory framework • The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) Part
101 was promulgated in 2002
• A Notice of Proposed Rule Making has recently been
published to address concerns with, and update, the
current regulation to reflect ICAO and terminology
changes
• A new rule part, specific to commercial RPAs, is also
under early consideration and will most likely move to
the consultation phase late next year.
• Our theory and thinking for the new regulatory
framework is based on the management of risk and
applying a competency based approach rather than
prescriptive regulation
RPA Classification by Weight
• CASA considers RPA of 2 kg and below have a low
kinetic energy, pose little risk to aviation and have a low
potential for harm to people and property on the ground.
• By coupling this weight with a set of operational
restrictions reduces the risk.
• RPA of 2 kg and below while they are being operated
under the standard RPA operating conditions will not
need a UOC.
• RPA above 2 kg and all RPA operating outside of the
standard RPA operating conditions will need a UOC.
•
RPA Classification Current Proposed
Small < 150 kg Small <2 kg
Med 2-150kg
Large >150 kg Lge - > 150 kg
Future
Small - < 20 kg
Med - 20 – 600 kg
Lge - > 600 kg
Process for approving RPA Operations
• The current process for obtaining an RPA operator’s
certificate, while rigorous, is quite straight forward and
relatively inexpensive
• All operators must have a CASA-issued Controller’s
Certificate, and all organisations using RPA must have
an organisational approval; known as an Unmanned
Operators Certificate - this still applies in remote areas
and on private property
• Without these you cannot gain insurance to cover the
operation of the RPA
Process for approving RPA Operations
• CASA offers extensive information and support for
prospective RPA controllers and UOC holders
• Currently the process for gaining approval as a UOC
holder is taking an average of 8 weeks
• To gain a controller certificate a person may attend an
approved basic RPAS training school, or self study and
undertake the PPL theory exam and obtain training from
the RPA manufacturer
• The best place to start is to look at the CASA website, or
contact the RPAS team here: [email protected]
Regulation of administered airspace
• CASA has carriage of regulating Australian-administered
airspace - however CASA alone does not manage
Australian airspace
• CASA, Air Services Australia and Defence all have roles
in managing and controlling parts of the airspace
• In some cases, for operations in certain areas, all three
bodies must consult to form a view on whether the
operation can be undertaken safely.
Privacy concerns
• CASA has no regulatory powers in this area
• Dealing with matters related to privacy is a matter for
the Australian Privacy Commissioner
• CASA does however encourage all approved operators
to adopt a fly neighbourly policy
Challenges
• Rapidly changing technology
• Massive growth in the volume and types of operations to
which RPAS are tasked
• Quality and reliability of the system
• Level of autonomy
• Operations beyond visual line of sight
• Multiple area approvals
• CASA surveillance of operations
Human Factors • Beyond visual line of sight
• Fatigue
• Informed detect and avoid
• Accidents and incidents
– Reporting
– Investigation
– Corrective action
Thank You
• Questions
