What You Need Before Starting a Remote Pilot Course

Australia's job market just needs skilled operators with a remote pilot license. Deloitte estimates that rising drone usage will create 5,500 new jobs each year until 2040. The opportunities exist in mining, agriculture, emergency services, and real estate—making this an ideal time to think about this career path.

You should evaluate a few key factors before you begin a journey to become a licensed drone pilot. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues a Remote Pilot License (RePL) that lets you operate drones commercially. CASA regulations state that drone pilots must be licensed when flying drones over 2kg or operating in controlled airspace. So without proper remote pilot licence training, you risk breaking regulations and losing legitimate professional opportunities.

RPAS experts, Toll Uncrewed Systems, highlight what you should know before signing up for a drone course in Brisbane. We'll walk you through the simple requirements and training curriculum to help you prepare for this exciting career move.

Understand the Purpose of a Remote Pilot License (RePL)

A career in drone operations starts with understanding what a Remote Pilot License (RePL) means. Let's look at how this qualification helps aspiring remote pilots.

What is a RePL and why it matters

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issues Remote Pilot License (RePL), which lets you fly drones commercially or as part of your job. You'll need this licence if you want to fly drones weighing over 2kg and work for businesses that have a Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC).

Your RePL never expires, which makes it a great investment for your career. You'll find better-paying jobs in growing fields like construction, agriculture, and media with this licence.

Commercial vs recreational drone use

The way you use your drone makes a big difference in what licence you need. Recreational pilots can fly without a licence if they follow simple safety rules, but commercial pilots face tougher regulations.

If you fly commercially, you need:

• A RePL for drones over 2kg

• A ReOC (yours or your employer's)

You might not need a RePL in some cases, mostly the "excluded" category for sub-2kg drones and the "landholder rule" that lets you fly over your own property. You still need to register all commercial drones with CASA, no matter their weight.

Legal implications of flying without a license

Flying commercially without proper licences can cost you big time. CASA's fines are a big deal as it means that they can exceed $15,300 for illegal operations. You'll also face penalties if you fly too close to people, enter restricted airspace, or forget to register your drone.

Insurance companies might refuse your claim if you fly without a licence. Legal experts point out that "If an accident occurs and the drone operations have not been conducted in accordance with CASR requirements, the operator's insurance company may use this as grounds for refusing a claim".

Your RePL proves you're a skilled professional who takes the job seriously. Clients will know you have the skills to fly drones safely and effectively when they see this certification.

Check If You Meet the Basic Requirements

You need to check if you meet certain eligibility criteria before signing up for a remote pilot licence course. These requirements will give a solid foundation to operate drones safely and complete your training successfully.

Minimum age and health conditions

Different training providers have varying age requirements for obtaining a remote pilot licence. CASA hasn't set an official minimum age limit for the RePL, but most quality training organisations suggest students should be at least 16 years old. Some providers accept students as young as 15 with their parent's permission.

Drone pilots don't need formal medical certificates, unlike traditional pilots who must undergo specific medical examinations. All the same, good health is essential with:

• Adequate vision to maintain visual line of sight with your drone

• Physical ability to operate controls safely

• Mental capacity to make sound operational decisions

Your health should not affect your ability to operate a drone safely in different conditions.

English language proficiency

CASA requires all RePL holders to show General English Language Proficiency (GELP) since airspace communications happen in English. This requirement helps ensure clear communication during drone operations, especially in shared airspace.

Students who don't speak English as their first language might need to pass an assessment that checks their:

• Ability to read and understand aviation-related documents

• Capacity to communicate with air traffic control

• Comprehension of radio broadcasts and instructions

The assessment looks at pronunciation, sentence structure, vocabulary, fluency, and interaction ability.

Do you need prior drone experience?

Most RePL courses welcome students with no prior drone experience. Training providers build their courses for complete beginners and teach everything from simple controls to advanced flight manoeuvres.

Several training organisations state that "The majority of our courses, such as the RePL, are designed for students with no experience at all". Quality courses offer detailed hands-on training that has at least 5 hours of practical flying.

Keep in mind: you'll need an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from CASA before your training can start. This unique identifier stays with you throughout your aviation career, so get it before enrolling.

What to Expect in a Remote Pilot License Course

A remote pilot licence course provides a well-laid-out program that builds your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Your experience from beginner to certified remote pilot follows strict regulations.

Theory training topics covered

The course starts with 15 hours of theory training. This detailed instruction gives you essential subjects like aviation language, threat and error management, risk management principles, map reading, air legislation, meteorology, principles of flight, ground station and telemetry equipment, pre-and post-flight checklists, and ground crew operations. CASA regulations state that theory sessions can't be completely online, you need some in-person instruction.

Practical flight training overview

The next phase moves you into hands-on flight training with real drone equipment. CASA rules require students to complete 5 hours of practical flight time. You need 5 hours of actual aircraft control time, which doesn't include your time as a spotter or simulator practice. Your training helps you develop key operational skills like pre-flight checks, in-flight manoeuvres, and emergency procedures.

Assessment and certification process

The course ends with two main assessments. You'll take a theory exam with 100 multiple-choice questions and need to score at least 85% to pass. Next comes a practical skills assessment to show your competency with your chosen aircraft type. Many providers let you try the theory exam up to three times.

After you pass both assessments, your training provider submits your RePL application to CASA. You can also get an Aeronautical Radio Operator's Certificate (AROC) if you want to fly in controlled airspace. Most training packages include this option.

Prepare Yourself Before Enrolling

You need good preparation to succeed after deciding to get a remote pilot licence. Research helps you understand your options and boosts your career prospects.

Choosing a CASA-approved training provider

Make sure your training provider has CASA certification before you sign up. CASA's official search centre helps you find certified providers who teach both theory and practical components. Remember that not all drone courses meet national standards, despite what their marketing might say.

Time commitment and scheduling options

Remote pilot licence courses usually need one full day each week throughout a semester when you attend in-person. Working professionals can access weekend sessions from many providers. The courses mix online theory with in-person tests, while some schools run five-day classroom programs.

Financial cost and available payment plans

The fees start at $1,200 for sub-25kg endorsements and reach $4,600 for complete packages. Good schools let you spread the cost through "Train Now, Pay Later" options with Zip, Afterpay, or monthly payments over 4-24 months.

Optional endorsements and future upgrades

The basic certification opens doors to more advanced options. The Aeronautical Radio Operator's Certificate (AROC) lets you work in controlled airspace. You can add higher weight classes or special skills like Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations later.

Conclusion

Starting a remote pilot licence course is an investment in your future career in Australia's fast-growing drone industry. This piece outlines what you need to think about before you commit. You should understand the legal purpose of a RePL and why proper certification matters for commercial operations. Your eligibility depends on your age, health conditions, and English proficiency, factors that will help you succeed in training.

The course blends simple theory with hands-on flight experience. You'll learn everything from aviation regulations to practical drone operation. Both components require passing tough assessments to get your certification.

Your choice of CASA-approved provider shapes your learning experience. Take time to research course structures, scheduling options, and payment plans. Training organisations offer flexible arrangements that fit different lifestyles and budgets. Looking into endorsements beyond the basic qualification can help advance your career as your skills grow.

The drone industry is transforming mining, agriculture, emergency services, and many other sectors. Qualified remote pilots are in high demand across Australia. A Remote Pilot License creates exciting opportunities, whether you want a career change or to expand your skills. Once you've thought about these factors, you'll be ready to take this big step towards becoming a certified drone pilot.