Drone Laws Qld [March 2023] [Rules & How to Register]

As a drone operator, you must keep your aircraft within line of sight at all times in Qld. This means that you must be able to see it with your own eyes, or through the use of binoculars or another electronic device.

The laws for drones in Queensland are very similar to the laws in other parts of Australia. You must make sure that your drone is safe and secure, and you cannot fly it within 5km of an airport or above 400ft.

If anything happens to the drone (eg: it crashes) then you should be able to return it safely to the ground before anyone can get hurt. Also, if there are any people nearby when your drone crashes then they may get injured as well!

Drone Rules In Qld

Australia Has A Number Of Laws For Drone Operations

Australia has a number of laws for recreational and commercial drone operations. These laws are in place to protect people and property, as well as prevent accidents and injuries.

For example, it’s an offence under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 to fly your drone over or near an airport without permission. This is because aircraft may be landing or taking off at the airport, which can pose a serious hazard if you’re flying your drone nearby.

Recreational Drone Operations Are Covered By The Model Aircraft

Recreational Drone Operations Are Covered By The Model Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations Code (the Code). The Code is a set of rules for recreational drone operators.

The Code applies to you if you operate a model aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in or from Queensland, other than:

• within 5 kilometres of an aerodrome, unless otherwise authorized by CASA; or
• above 400 feet AGL or within 4 kms of any person not involved with its operation; or
• over any populous area, unless authorized by CASA.

Operator Must Not Fly Higher Than 120 Metres

The Code requires that the operator must not fly higher than 120 metres above ground level.

You can only fly higher than this if you are in an area where you are allowed to fly higher than 120 metres above ground level.

Operator To Maintain Line-of-sight Visual Contact

The Code requires the operator to maintain line-of-sight visual contact with their aircraft at all times, and if they cannot do so because of insufficient visibility or other reasons, they must stop operating the drone until such time as they can. The idea behind this is to ensure that people are not operating drones in a reckless manner that endangers other people or property. If you cannot see it, don’t fly it!

Drones Must Not Fly Within 30 Metres Of People

The drone must not fly within 30 metres of people, unless they are part of operating the aircraft. The drone must not be flown within 5.5km of an aerodrome (an airport or airfield).

The drone must not be flown within 4km of a controlled aerodrome (the airspace surrounding a large airport).

Drones Must Not Operate Over Populous Areas

Drones Must Not Operate Over Populous Areas, such as beaches, parks, busy roads or footpaths.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued a number of guidelines for flying drones in Australia. Drones must follow these rules:

• Drones Must Not Operate Over Populous Areas. This includes beaches, parks and busy roads and footpaths.
• Drones cannot be flown over large gatherings of people such as sporting events or concerts because it may cause a distraction or concern for spectators on the field.

Stay Above 120m And Do Not Descend To A Lower Height

• Stay Above 120m And Do Not Descend To A Lower Height over any populated area or large gathering of people.

• Keep your drone at least 30m away from people, including spectators, bystanders, emergency responders and media personnel.
• Do not fly closer than 5km from airports that have declared controlled airspace – unless you have permission from air traffic control (ATC).
• Do not come within 5km of emergency situations without first checking with police on the scene.

You Must Not Operate In A Way That Creates A Hazard To Another Aircraft

• You Must Not Operate In A Way That Creates A Hazard To Another Aircraft, person or property.
• You must not fly within 5.5 kilometres of a controlled aerodrome (an airport or airfield with lighting and control tower).
• You must not fly within 4 kilometres of an uncontrolled aerodrome (an airstrip without lighting and control tower).
• In the vicinity of emergency situations such as fires, floods, traffic accidents etc., you must keep your drone at least 30 metres away from all personnel involved in the situation.

Hazardous Operation Includes Flying In Cloud Or Fog And Near Emergency

There are a number of reasons why you shouldn’t fly in cloud or fog. If you can’t see where you’re going, it’s difficult to know if there’s something in the way that may damage your drone.

You should also avoid flying near emergency situations (including fires, car accidents and search and rescue operations).

If someone is at risk of injury or death, it would be irresponsible to interfere with the efforts of those involved. In particular:

• don’t fly near car accidents until all parties have been evacuated from their vehicles;
• don’t interfere with rescue efforts by getting too close to people who are injured; and
• do not attempt to access any areas considered restricted by police or emergency services personnel.

There Are Many Laws Relating To Drone Use In Queensland

The Code requires the operator to maintain line-of-sight visual contact with their aircraft at all times, which means you cannot fly a drone if you are unable to see it.

The Code also prohibits flying within 30 metres of another person or vehicle and within 3 nautical miles from an aerodrome.

The other main law relating to drones is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Recreational Drone Guidelines – 2018 (the Guidelines). These guidelines cover the safety requirements for recreational drone operations, including:

• Operating only in daylight hours;
• Maintaining safe distances from people, property and structures; and
• Flying no higher than 400 feet above ground level or 120 metres above sea level.

How To Register Drone In Qld

If you’ve got a drone and want to fly it, you’re going to need to know the rules. I’m not talking about your local laws, either; this article is all about Australia’s drone regulations. What do you need to register your drones? Where can you fly them? And what happens if things go wrong?

Casa Is The Body Responsible For Drone Laws In Australia

CASA, or the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, is the body responsible for drone laws in Australia. It’s also a government body that regulates aviation safety in general.

CASA has a number of different roles and responsibilities under its umbrella:

• It sets standards for equipment and procedures used by commercial air operators.
• It’s responsible for licensing people who work as pilots and flight instructors.
• It regulates radio frequencies that are used by aircrafts to communicate with each other during flight (like how controllers talk to pilots).
• And it makes sure that all private planes have up-to-date documentation such as licenses or permits before they can fly—even if it’s just over your backyard!

What Do You Need To Register Your Drone?

To register your drone, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Your drone’s model and serial numbers.
• Your name, address, contact details and email address.
• A credit card number for payment (Visa or MasterCard only).

How Much Does It Cost To Register?

Registering your drone with CASA costs $150. You can pay by credit card or EFTPOS at the time of registration, or you can apply to pay by post.

To register online:

• Go to the CASA website and click on ‘Register a new aircraft’.
• Enter your name, address, contact details and pilot’s license number (if you have one).
• You’ll need photos of your drone and a document verifying ownership, either in digital form or as a physical copy that has been notarized by an approved person (a Notary Public). These documents should include:
• Name of the registered owner(s) of the aircraft;
• Address where they usually reside;
• Make / model / serial number / registration marks;
• Date when last tested for compliance with maintenance standards (if applicable);

Do The Rules Apply To Toy Drones And Remote Control Helicopters?

The rules also apply to toy drones and remote control helicopters. Toy drones and remote control helicopters must be registered, operated in accordance with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for recreational drone users, and flown more than 30 metres away from other people and property.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow The Rules?

If you don’t follow the rules, you could receive a fine of up to $9,000 or be charged with up to two years in prison. Your drone may also be confiscated and/or you could be banned from flying a drone anywhere in Australia or overseas.

You should also know that if you break the law by not registering your drone and then cause damage to another person’s property or injure someone else, you may still have to pay for the damage that was done and any medical expenses associated with it.

How Can I Find Out More Information?

If you have any questions about how to register your drone, you can contact the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) via their website. CASA also has an email address, a fax number and social media channels.

You Must Be Aware Of And Follow Drone Laws In Australia.

When you’re flying a drone in Australia, it’s important to follow all applicable laws. You should be able to find out more about the laws that apply to your drone by visiting the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) website. If you have any questions about CASA or its drone regulations, please contact them directly.

Are Drone Allowed In Qld

It Is Illegal To Fly A Drone In Queensland In Australia. You Have To Have Special License To Operate A Drone. It is only allowed to fly in certain area. If you want more information then contact local authority.

It Is Illegal To Fly A Drone In Queensland In Australia

You need to have a special license from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to operate a drone in Queensland. The rules are about where you can fly your drone and for how long.

You also need to register your drone with CASA if it weighs more than 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds). It is illegal to fly drones near airports or over crowds of people without taking certain precautions.

You Have To Have Special License To Operate A Drone

You need to have a special license to fly a drone in Queensland. If you want to operate a drone commercially, you need to get a license from the local authority.

This is called an “operator certificate” or “remote operator certificate”. You also need to have special training, insurance and equipment before flying your drone commercially in Queensland.

Frequently Asked Question (drone Laws Qld)

When Can I Fly My Drone?

• Don’t fly near airports.
• Don’t fly your drone within 5.5 kilometres of an airport or airfield, or within the lateral boundaries of an aerodrome control zone.
• Don’t fly over people.
• You must always keep your unmanned aircraft away from other people and property that are not under your control to avoid injury or damage to anyone or anything on the ground below you.
• It is against the law to operate in any way that may endanger, harass, annoy or distress a person who is not participating in the operation of it.
• Do not operate near buildings and structures like power lines (high voltage).

How High Can I Fly My Drone?

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates Australian airspace and the use of recreational drones. When flying a drone you must keep it in line of sight at all times, this means you cannot fly your drone over populated areas or other people.

What Are The Rules Around Flying Drones At Night?

To fly your drone at night, you must:

• Have a clear line of sight. Flying a drone in areas that are unlit or poorly lit is illegal. Your pilot must be able to see your drone at all times during the flight.
• Use night vision goggles if necessary for the area you will be flying in and have them on hand during operation. If these are not available, use lights on your drone and ensure that there is some illumination in the air so it can be seen from above by other aircraft or people on the ground alike.
• Illuminate yourself or your aircraft as well as any other required equipment with a light source that meets Australian standards (AS/NZS 2208), which should provide enough visibility without being glaringly bright so others don’t have trouble seeing it too!

What Are My Responsibilities As A Pilot Of A Uav?

• You must not fly your drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway.
• You must not fly your drone near an area affecting public safety, such as a sporting event, firefighting operation, search and rescue operation or disaster recovery operation.

Conclusion

In Queensland, you must have either a Remote Pilot Certificate or a Model Airplane Certificate to fly your drone. If you have either of these certificates and are over 18 years old, then you can fly your drone for recreational purposes without breaking any laws.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of the laws around drone use in Queensland. We recommend that you read our guide to recreational drone operations if you would like more information about how drones can be used for work or research purposes.