Everything You Need to Know About CASA

Introduction to CASA

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia’s national aviation safety regulator. Established in 1995, CASA is a government body responsible for overseeing and regulating civil aviation in Australia. Its primary mission is to ensure that Australian skies are safe for all users, from large commercial airlines to drone operators and private pilots.

CASA operates under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, and reports to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

CASA

Types of Licences Issued by CASA

CASA provides a wide range of licences, certificates, and approvals to ensure that aviation operations are carried out safely and legally. Below are the most common categories:

Pilot Licences (Manned Aircraft)

• Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)

• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

• Flight Instructor Rating

• Multi-Crew Cooperation Certificate (MCC)

  
  

These allow individuals to fly different types of aircraft under various conditions, from personal travel to commercial airline operations.

Remote Pilot Licences (Drones / RPA)

• RePL – Remote Pilot Licence

  Required for operating drones over 2kg for commercial purposes.

  
  

• ReOC – Remote Operator Certificate

  Issued to organisations wanting to conduct commercial drone operations.

  
  

• BVLOS Approvals

  Special permissions to fly drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight, which requires advanced training and operational safety cases.

Other Licences and Certifications

• Maintenance Engineer Licences (AME)

• Air Traffic Controller Licence

• Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC)

• Aircraft Airworthiness Certificates

• Flight Examiner Ratings

CASA

CASA’s Organisational Structure and Branches

CASA has multiple branches and offices working collaboratively to ensure aviation safety across various sectors. Key divisions include:

Headquarters

Located in Canberra, with regional offices in all major cities.

Operational Branches:

• Flight Standards: Sets the rules and procedures for flight operations and pilot training.

• Airworthiness and Engineering: Manages aircraft certification, design, and maintenance standards.

• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS): Regulates drone operations.

• Safety Systems Office: Develops risk-based safety frameworks and analysis.

• Legal and Regulatory Services: Ensures compliance and enforces aviation laws.

Important CASA Responsibilities and Services

Regulation and Oversight

• Enforces compliance with the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR).

• Conducts audits, inspections, and surveillance of aviation operators.

• Ensures medical certification of pilots through the Aviation Medicine branch.

Education and Training

• Provides safety resources and training for pilots and drone operators.

• Offers online courses, licensing exams, and e-learning tools via the myCASA portal.

Digital Services – myCASA Portal

This is CASA's online platform where users can:

• Apply for and manage licences

• Submit applications for approvals

• Book exams

• Report safety concerns

Drone Safety and RPAS Operations

CASA has been a leader in integrating drones into regulated airspace. Their Can I Fly There? app and educational materials guide recreational and commercial drone users on where and how to fly safely.

Why CASA Matters

CASA plays a crucial role in aviation safety. With increasing use of drones, urban air mobility, and growing air traffic, CASA ensures all aviation activities in Australia are:

• Safe

• Sustainable

• Legally compliant

• Aligned with international standards (like ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization)

Conditions for Registration (Aircraft and Drones)

All aircraft and drones operating under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) must be properly registered depending on their type, weight, and use (commercial or recreational). Below are the key conditions and requirements:

Manned Aircraft Registration (General Aviation)

All crewed aircraft (fixed-wing, rotary, etc.) must be registered with CASA before they can legally fly.

Requirements:

• Aircraft must be airworthy and meet design standards.

• A Certificate of Registration is issued to the owner.

• The aircraft must display a valid registration marking (VH-XXX).

• Annual renewal and compliance with maintenance schedules is mandatory.

Documents Needed:

• Proof of ownership

• Certificate of airworthiness (if required)

• Maintenance release and inspection records

Drone (RPAS) Registration

Since January 28, 2021, CASA made drone registration mandatory for most commercial and recreational drone operators.

Who Must Register?

Drone Use	Weight	Registration Required?
Recreational	< 250 grams	Not required
Recreational	≥ 250 grams	Required
Commercial	Any weight	Required
Research, Government, Corporate	Any weight	Required

Conditions:

• Must be 16 years or older to register a drone.

• Drone must be less than 150 kg and operated in Standard Operating Conditions, unless approved otherwise.

• You must provide a serial number of the drone and declare model/make.

• Registration must be renewed every 12 months.

• You must hold or be associated with an ARN (Aviation Reference Number).

Exemptions:

• Certain drones used indoors or on private land without commercial intent may be exempt from registration.

How to Register

All aircraft and drone registrations are done via CASA’s myCASA portal:https://my.casa.gov.au

You will need:

• An Aviation Reference Number (ARN)

• Proof of identity

• Drone or aircraft details (manufacturer, model, serial number)

• Payment for registration fee (drone: approx. $40/year)

Consequences of Not Registering

Failure to register an aircraft or drone when required may lead to:

• Fines up to $11,000 AUD

• Confiscation of the unregistered aircraft

• Legal liability in case of incidents or accidents

  
  

Key Links and Resources

• Official Website: https://www.casa.gov.au

• Drone Rules: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones

• myCASA Portal: https://my.casa.gov.au

• Aviation Medicine: https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/aviation-medicine

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a commercial airline pilot, drone operator, or aircraft engineer, CASA is the regulatory backbone that ensures the Australian aviation environment stays safe and efficient. Staying informed about CASA’s rules and engaging with its training and tools is essential for anyone involved in the skies.