Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (popularly known as drones) are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Regulation CASR Part 101 - Unmanned aircraft and rockets.
The University of South Australia has a number of requirements and obligations related to CASR Part 101. The information regarding regulations and registration requirements apply to the following groups:
- Anyone operating or intending to operate a drone on UniSA property
- UniSA staff and students operating or intending to operate a drone outside of UniSA property, but as part of a project related to, or in conjunction with UniSA
- External providers (videographers, surveyors, etc.) who wish to operate a drone on UniSA property, or for projects related to, or in conjunction with UniSA
A summary of the key information regarding CASR Part 101 and how the University of South Australia manages its responsibilities in terms of compliance and insurance is as follows:
- UniSA does not have a Remotely piloted aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC)
- For the purposes of the CASR Part 101 Regulation, all UniSA drone operations are considered to be “commercial”
- UniSA maintains a register of those who have a drone and how it is operated
- UniSA will provide advice on how you can operate safely, within regulations and with the appropriate insurances
If you have a drone at UniSA, you must contact us (links on this page) and provide details of the aircraft, and discuss how you would like to operate it.
Anyone operating a drone as part of any University activity is required to comply with the above and any instructions provided by the responsible officer or their proxy.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
CASA provides essential information for flying drones safely.
Drones at UniSA - Forms
For general enquiries or to submit a drone notification, please use the forms below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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My drone weighs less than 2 kg – do I still need to inform UniSA and discuss potential operations?
Yes. We still should have your drone registered, consider the insurance needs, and consider the operational aspects.
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My drone is a student project and so can I test fly it within the regulations?
All outdoor flying needs to comply with aviation safety regulations. This includes drones (RPAS), balloons and rockets. The question becomes which aspect(s) of the regulations apply. The links to the CASA information and rules above will assist with that. We can also advise and seek further clarification from CASA if necessary.
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It looks like CASA will require all drones to be registered, do I have to register my UniSA drone?
CASA has announced that, from late 2019, all drones in the Excluded Operations category are required to be registered, regardless of their type or weight. We will register your drone on your behalf once you have provided the details required in the "Drone notification form" on this page.
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Can I get a third-party licenced operator to operate their drones or UniSA drones for my research?
Some of our researchers already do this with quite successful outcomes. Your research budget needs to cover the costs. We still need to apply due diligence, determine insurance requirements and check compliance. Please contact us and we can help.
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I would like to get some aerial imagery taken. Can I get a third-party provider to bring in a drone and fly over a UniSA Campus?
The concept of a licensed and certified third-party operator to provide the service is possible, however we still need to apply due diligence, determine insurance requirements and check compliance. Be mindful that operation bounds will vary from campus to campus, none-the-least due to geographic location and proximity to other aircraft operations (eg. Parafield Airport for Mawson Lakes Campus).
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I have completed the CASA "Drone Accreditation", can I fly on my own?
No. All aircraft owned or used by UniSA staff and students are considered "commercial". Please contact us for advice.
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What do I do if I see someone operating a drone over a UniSA Campus?
If it is apparent that the operation is not related to a legitimate UniSA activity, please contact Campus Security immediately on 88888 from internal University telephones or 1800 500 911. Apart from the legality of the operation, there are significant risks to reckless flying, particularly in some areas (eg Mawson Lakes Campus and the proximity to Parafield Airport). Campus Security may contact the Police if an immediate response is required. We are also obligued to report unsafe drone operations to CASA.
Contact Us
If you have a drone at UniSA, you must provide details of the aircraft and details of operations BEFORE you operate the drone. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the use of drones at UniSA, and we have contacts within CASA who can provide further advice.
