Flying drones for business or work includes selling drone photos or video, inspecting sites or infrastructure, providing security, surveillance, or research services, or performing any drone tasks for an employer. In Australia, you’ll need either a RePL, a ReOC, or Operator Accreditation to do any of that legally. Starting a drone business? To fly commercially, you must understand the three CASA certifications: RePL, ReOC, and Operator Accreditation. This guide breaks down what they are, who needs them, and how they work together in real-world drone operations.

What Is a RePL?

A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is your personal licence to fly drones commercially in Australia. It proves you’ve completed certified training and understand how to operate drones safely and legally under CASA regulations.

You need a RePL if you:

RePL training includes:

  • Aeronautical theory
  • At least 5 hours of flight time and a practical assessment
  • An Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) if you’ll fly in controlled airspace

Weight categories available with RePL endorsements:

  • Up to 7 kg
  • Up to 25 kg
  • Up to 150 kg
  • Over 150 kg (with type-specific training)

Other requirements:

  • You must be at least 16 years old
  • You’ll need an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
  • A RePL never expires

This licence is essential if you want to work as a drone pilot for hire, get employed under a ReOC, or fly heavier drones commercially.

What Is a ReOC?

A Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) is a CASA-issued accreditation for businesses. It enables your company to operate commercially with drones, employ remote pilots, and apply for special permissions to operate outside standard rules.

Your business needs a ReOC if you want to:

  • Hire RePL-certified pilots to offer drone services
  • Fly outside standard safety rules (like at night or near airports)
  • Apply to CASA for flight approvals or complex operations

To apply for a ReOC, your business needs:

  • A Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) with a valid RePL
  • A custom Operations Manual and Procedures Library
  • A company Aviation Reference Number (ARN)
  • A defined structure for maintenance and operational roles

Processing time:

  • Up to 70 business days through CASA
  • Faster through an industry delegate

Validity:

  • Starts with a 12-month approval
  • Renewable for 3-year periods

RePL vs ReOC: How They Work Together

Aspect RePL (Individual) ReOC (Business)
Who holds it A certified drone pilot A drone company
Purpose Licence to fly drones commercially Licence to run a commercial drone service
Required for Drones >25 kg (own land) or under ReOC Complex ops, hiring, CASA authorisations
Expiry Never 1 year, then 3-year renewals
Minimum Age 16 N/A
Cost (avg) $1,350–$2,000 (training included) $1,450–$2,000 (incl. application/manual)

 

Why Your Business Needs a Chief Remote Pilot (CRP)

Every ReOC holder must appoint a Chief Remote Pilot. This person is the bridge between CASA and your flight operations.

CRP Responsibilities:

  • Authorise flights and approve mission plans
  • Ensure all pilots follow SOPs and safety procedures
  • Maintain training records and compliance

CASA interviews and vets all CRP applicants. They must fully understand aviation regulations and safety. In larger teams, extra roles like Maintenance Controller can be assigned to manage complexity.

What You Can Do With a ReOC (That You Can’t With a RePL Alone)

With a ReOC, you can:

  • Fly at night (with CASA approval)
  • Operate near airports
  • Conduct complex or high-risk jobs
  • Apply for permissions and permits through CASA

RePL alone won’t give you those permissions.
ReOC holders manage the operation.
RePL pilots fly under their authority.

What Is Operator Accreditation?

Operator Accreditation (Excluded Category) is CASA’s entry-level certification for anyone flying a drone commercially without a RePL or ReOC. It covers jobs like filming, inspecting, surveying, or flying for an employer using drones up to 25 kg. You can also fly a drone between 2 kg and 25 kg over your own land for business, as long as you don’t get paid. This is known as the landholder excluded category, and you don’t need a RePL or ReOC to do it.

Key facts:

  • It’s free, done online, and valid for 3 years
  • You must be at least 16 years old
  • You must pass a short knowledge quiz (85% to pass)
  • Your drones must be registered

Once accredited, you’ll get a digital certificate through myCASA. This proves you’re legally allowed to fly under the excluded category.

Accreditation lets you:

  • Fly drones commercially on your land or employer
  • Operate within standard safety rules
  • Avoid needing a RePL or ReOC for basic jobs

You still need an ARN, and you must register your drone.
And you must follow all CASA safety rules – daylight only, visual line of sight, and at least 30 metres from people and populous areas.

Career Pathways and Compliance Tools

Operating under a ReOC opens up roles beyond flying.

Common roles inside drone businesses:

  • Chief Remote Pilot
  • Maintenance Supervisor
  • Operations Manager

As your company grows, software tools help you manage:

  • Documentation and logs
  • SOP acknowledgment
  • Incident reporting and compliance

This structure helps you scale without breaking CASA rules.

Key Takeaways: RePL vs ReOC

  • RePL is for individuals who want to fly drones commercially
  • ReOC is for businesses that want to hire pilots and offer commercial services
  • Operator Accreditation is enough for small-scale commercial work, including flights over your own land
  • Start with a RePL. Get a ReOC when you’re ready to scale
  • Dont forget to register your drone – it’s a requirement for all commercial work
  • Information is subject to change frequently – obtain the latest requirements from CASA or your relevant civil aviation authority