Not always.

If you are flying purely for fun and operating within certain excluded categories, you may not require a RePL.

Under CASA regulations, some drones under 2kg may be operated within the excluded category without holding a RePL or ReOC, provided operations remain within standard operating conditions.

However, many operators choose to obtain a RePL because it:

• builds professional knowledge and flight skills
• opens pathways into the drone industry
• allows you to operate under a ReOC holder
• helps prepare you for larger and more advanced aircraft operations

Visit the Casa website for more information

A RePL certifies the pilot, not the business.

Holding a RePL allows you to operate as a remote pilot for a business or organisation that holds a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC).

If you want to operate your own drone business under CASA approvals and procedures, you will also require a ReOC.

A RePL is issued to the individual pilot and confirms they have completed formal flight training and demonstrated practical competency.

A Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC) is issued to the business or organisation conducting drone operations.

In simple terms:

• RePL = pilot certification
• ReOC = business certification

The Multi Rotor <7kg RePL qualifies you to operate multi-rotor drones up to 7kg within your approved operational framework.

This is a popular entry point into the drone industry and suits many:

• photography / video drone
• mapping drones
• inspection drones
• smaller enterprise aircraft

The <25kg upgrade is commonly completed by operators wanting to progress into:

• larger enterprise drones
• agricultural drone operations
• aircraft larger than 7kg and less than 25kg (max take off weight)

Many spray drones and larger aircraft require pilots to hold higher weight category qualifications such as a medium class RPA <150kg

A Medium Class RPA type endorsement is an additional flight test for a specific aircraft or operational category.

For example, operators moving into agricultural drone operations may complete endorsements for:

• DJI Agras T25
• DJI Agras T50
• DJI Agras T100

No.

Many students entering RePL training are completely new to aviation and drone operations.

Training is designed to guide students through both theoretical and practical components step-by-step.

The course is completed over five days:

• 4 days instructor-led online theory
• 1 day practical flight assessment

Yes.

Training aircraft are provided during the practical flight assessment component for both Multi-rotor <7kg and the <25kg upgrade.

No.

A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) does not expire under current CASA regulations.

An AROC (Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate) allows legal communication over aviation radio frequencies when operating near controlled airspace or in situations where radio communication may be required.

The AROC training covers:

• aviation radio procedures
• radio phraseology
• airspace communication
• operational safety communications

Holding an AROC is an important part of operating professionally within the Australian aviation environment and is commonly completed alongside a RePL.

An AROC (Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate) allows legal communication over aviation radio frequencies when operating near controlled airspace or in situations where radio communication may be required.

Yes.

The Air Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) is included as part of NQ Aerovation’s RePL training package delivered in partnership with FPV Australia.

Course pricing includes:

• RePL training
• AROC certification
• CASA licence fees
• training materials
• practical flight assessment

There is currently no minimum age requirement to obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

However, students completing the AROC component must be old enough to meet the aviation radio communication assessment requirements.

If enrolling younger students, we recommend contacting FPV Australia prior to booking to discuss the most suitable training pathway.