Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have taken the leap from interesting technical marvels to accepted business tools in a remarkably short time. Today, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are flying just about every day of the year, having in part displaced more expensive and cumbersome manned craft (aeroplanes and helicopters), but mostly through establishing a niche market of their very own.
What’s the difference?
UAV refer only to the aircraft themselves, whilst UAS includes the aircraft, the control systems, the imaging hardware and software, and any other system required not only to operate the aircraft but also to process its outputs for delivery to the customer.
Australia’s regulator of civil aviation, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), has acted remarkably quickly to establish regulations, guidelines and, indeed, a dedicated team within its ranks to assist intending UAV operators gain the necessary approvals. Whilst it is a costly exercise it is by no means prohibitive, and over the last 18 months or so close to 40 new operator’s certificates have been issued, to take the total to 54 at the time of writing.
Toys vs. tools
CASA draws a clear distinction between aero models and UAS/UAV. In a nutshell, aero models are to be flown in designated areas, no higher than 400 feet above ground, not over populated areas or in controlled airspace. UAV, on the other hand, can go higher with special approvals, and also in populated areas and controlled airspace, with “CASA approval and coordination with AirServices Australia.”
The two most important distinctions, however, are that A) UAS are primarily for profit and reward, whereas aero modellers are prohibited from flying for profit; and B) aero modellers require no licence, whereas UAV controllers and operators must be licenced.
CASA requires that both entities be licenced: the organisation operating the UAS and the person actually controlling the aircraft.
Step 1: get your ‘pilot’s’ licence
Intending UAV ‘pilots’ first need to get their UAV Controller’s Certificate, which is in effect their ‘pilot’s licence’. This covers only the actual physical operation of the aircraft, which has to be done under the auspices of a UAV Operator’s Certificate holder – see Step 2.
Getting the UAV CC involves undertaking theoretical study and passing the Private Pilot’s Licence theory tests, as well as getting a flight radio operator’s licence and gaining experience on the type of UAV they intend to operate – perhaps under supervision of the vendor or other licenced person.
The theory study can be undertaken from books at home or through traditional flying schools, and CASA costs are around $160.-, not including your books, any exam fees, etc.
Step 2: get your UAS Operator’s Certificate
This is the certificate that allows you to operate a UAS for hire and reward, i.e. commercial operations.
CASA has set out clear guidelines of the steps involved in gaining your certificate, for which one of the prerequisites is at least one person in the organisation holding a UAV Controller’s Certificate, as outlined in Step 1. CASA’s recommended steps are:
- Develop your business plan, concept of operations and safety case.
- Determine the aircraft you wish to operate.
- Undertake the relevant pilot exams.
- Obtain a UAV Controller Certificate.
- Apply for an Instrument Rating Exam exemption.
- Assess the risk of your planned operations.
- Develop a Safety Management System (SMS).
- Prepare your flight, operations and maintenance manuals.
- Check your public liability insurance.
- Organise a pre-application interview.
Before you submit your OC application, CASA recommends you contact one of its UAS specialists to arrange a pre-application interview. At the interview, CASA will discuss your application in detail, including your operations, flight and maintenance manuals and advise you if any additional material is required.
On completion, you should be confident that your application will proceed through the assessment without delay, within CASA’s prescribed response guidelines.
CASA these days works under a cost-recovery regime and charges by the hour. The CASA website suggests that its costs under the worst-case scenario would be between $7-8,000.-, which does not include any outside costs you may incur in the preparation of your application.