Integrating RPAS into Australian airspace

Recognising the significant projected growth in the uncrewed industry and the introduction of new and emerging technologies, Airservices is committed to supporting the safe and efficient integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) into Australia’s airspace through a phased, inclusive approach.

This approach is centred around developing a suite of new cutting edge, digital and automated services for UAS operators to access airspace safely and efficiently and enabling the uncrewed industry to thrive.

About the Flight Information Management System (FIMS)

The Flight Information Management System (FIMS) facilitates the exchange of important information and enables digital services to airspace users. Through connected Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Service Suppliers (USS), eligible RPAS operators can gain access to tailored aeronautical data, strategic operational planning and coordination capabilities and automated authorisations across 28 civil controlled airports.

For further information visit Drones and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management - Airservices

About Automated Airspace Authorisations (AAA)

AAA uses data-driven airspace maps developed through detailed safety and collision risk modelling. These maps are based on historical crewed aircraft flight trajectory data and identify locations where eligible drone operations can safely occur within defined parameters.

When an eligible drone operator holding a ReOC or RePL submits a flight request through a FIMS-connected USS, the application is automatically assessed against the approved authorisation map. If the operation meets authorisation requirements, an digital authorisation is issued automatically.

Authorisations are limited to predefined low-risk operating environments and are subject to strict operating criteria. More complex operations continue to require assessment through existing approval processes.

FIMS Automated Airspace Authorisations (AAA) locations

Automated Airspace Authorisation map - showing controlled airports around Australia

 

Eligible commercial drone operators can digitally request an airspace authorisation to operate within 3 nautical miles of the following 28 civil controlled aerodromes across Australia:

  • ACT: Canberra (YSCB)*
  • NSW: Albury (YMAY), Bankstown (YSBK), Camden (YSCN), Coffs Harbour (YCFS)*, Sydney (YSSY)* and Tamworth (YSTW)
  • NT: Alice Springs (YBAS)
  • QLD: Archerfield (YBAF), Brisbane (YBBN), Cairns (YBCS)*, Gold Coast (YBCG), Hamilton Island (YBHM), Mackay (YBMK), Rockhampton (YBRK) and Sunshine Coast (YBSU)
  • SA: Adelaide (YPAD)* and Parafield (YPPF)
  • TAS: Hobart (YMHB)* and Launceston (YMLT)
  • VIC: Avalon (YMAV), Essendon (YMEN)*, Melbourne (YMML)* and Moorabbin (YMMB)
  • WA: Broome (YBRM)*, Jandakot (YPJT), Karratha (YPKA) and Perth (YPPH)*

(*Locations currently in the AAA Trial.)

While all aerodromes will be represented in FIMS, Port Hedland (YPPD), Western Sydney (YSWS) and Ballina (YBNA) will not participate in the initial rollout of FIMS AAA. Existing manual authorisation arrangements will remain in place.

About the Automated Airspace Authorisations Trial (AAAT)

Since 2021, we have collaborated with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to enable RPAS Certificate (ReOC) holders to apply for automated approvals for operations that fall within certain parameters through the Automated Airspace Authorisation trial.

For further information about the trial including eligibility requirements, visit Automated airspace authorisations | Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

AAAT transition to FIMS

Airservices is committed to facilitating the successful entry of RPAS into controlled airspace in a staged process that will integrate with crewed operations.

A 12 month transition period for the AAAT will start once the first airspace authorisation is issued via FIMS. At the end of this period, the CASA Digital Platform (CDP)-based AAA trial will finish at civil controlled aerodromes. If an app provider plans to offer AAA services at civil controlled aerodromes, they will need to connect to FIMS as a UAS Service Supplier (USS).

The transition period aims to ensure uninterrupted access to automated approvals for industry and a smooth shift for app providers.

What does it mean for you?

  • Exclusive FIMS onboarding round: Airservices and CASA will run a dedicated onboarding round for current app providers offering AAA services through the CDP. This is expected to start on 30 October 2026 .
  • Continued access for current app providers: if you’re currently delivering AAA services via the CDP, you can continue to do so at the 10 trial aerodromes until either:
    • you transition to the FIMS-based service
    • the transition period ends.

^The initial FIMS release includes authoritative static aeronautical information only; dynamic data is not available. NOTAM information or AIP SUP data is not currently available through FIMS and RPAS operators should continue to obtain all required operational information from existing approved sources (i.e. NAIPS for current NOTAMS) as part of their normal flight planning processes. RPAS operators should also note that FIMS and USS are not the sole or complete source of aeronautical information to rely on for operational decision-making.

Support for AAA

To submit a query or feedback on AAA go to Contact us - Airservices and select ‘Automated Airspace Authorisations’ in the drop-down menu.

Operation in controlled airspace

RPAS with advanced equipment levels

In general terms, where the equipment levels and capability of the RPAS reflect those of conventionally piloted aircraft, ATC is responsible for providing a separation service to the RPAS in instances where an automated airspace authorisation is not available. Generally, the equipment and capability meets this threshold if:

  • it is capable of presenting real time information from a certified navigation system;
  • the pilot is able to maintain continuous two-way communications with ATC; and
  • where applicable is equipped with certified surveillance equipment for the airspace in which it will operate.

Note: Portable or fixed installation Electronic Conspicuity (EC) devices (low power equipment able to transmit, and for some devices also receive ADS-B position messages), and   Integrated Traffic Awareness Beacon System (TABS) devices (similar to an EC device, but also able to be detected by traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS)) may not be visible to ATC surveillance systems.

RPAS with basic equipment levels

Where the equipment levels and capability of RPAS do not reflect conventionally piloted aircraft, ATC responsibilities are determined by the location and height of the RPAS operation. RPAS operations in controlled airspace do not automatically trigger responsibilities for ATC.

No-Fly Zones around controlled aerodromes

The Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 101 depicts no-fly zones and approach and departure paths around controlled (and uncontrolled) aerodromes. The no-fly zone of a controlled aerodrome means any areas and airspace that are below 400 ft and:

    1. within 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of a controlled aerodrome; or
    2. within the approach and departure paths referred to in section 4.05, whether or not they extend beyond 3 NM, in any direction, from the measurement point of any runway of the controlled aerodrome. (MOS Part 101 Chapter 4).

'No fly zones' within controlled aerodrome or above 400FT within controlled airspace diagram.

All applications for operations within the 'no-fly zones' of a controlled aerodrome or above 400FT within controlled airspace must be forwarded to the CASA RPAS Office in the first instance. Where automated airspace authorisations are available, these can be applied for via a CASA-verified Drone Safety App. Visit 'Flying drones/remotely piloted aircraft in Australia' (www.casa.gov.au) for more information.

Due to the nature of the operation and/or proximity to the aerodrome, some applications may be rejected or only approved subject to restrictions of, but not limited to, geographic lateral limits, vertical (altitude) limits, a specific time block and specific communication requirements.

Planning your flight

Applicants should review CASA requirements at https://www.casa.gov.au/drones before commencing an application. RPAS operators should also assess the extremities of their operating area to determine which portions of the no-fly zones may be infringed. Flights that are within 3NM but do not infringe the grey or black portions of the no-fly zones are more likely to be approved without further restriction. Controlled aerodromes are listed in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH).

Airservices segregate uncrewed operations from crewed operations within the 'no-fly zone' of a controlled aerodrome. Some of the segregation methods available include:

  • Operations that are below the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) of the aerodrome are more likely to be approved with minimal restriction.
  • The RPAS is considered to be constrained below the OLS when:
    • it is tethered below the OLS altitudes
    • it is operating in close proximity to and below the height of a nearby obstacle that is below the OLS.
    • for DJI RPAS, on board altimetry (following correction applied by Airservices based on flight time) indicates levels below the OLS.
    • For non-DJI RPAS, on board altimetry from RTK/D-RTK or laser indicates operations are below the OLS.
  • Where an operation penetrates the OLS there is an increased risk to conventionally piloted aircraft. These operations must be either:
    • Shielded: An operation that is within 100m laterally of, and below an adjacent obstacle; or
    • Segregated from conventionally piloted aircraft laterally or vertically (rarely available except in airspace with very low movements).

 

Manual assessments may issue height restrictions expressed as either Above Ground Level (AGL) or Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL)

Diagram that explains the obstacle limitation surface (OLS) within close proximity to an aerodrome.
OLS Diagrams

Note: The following and diagrams are representative of the OLS for each aerodrome. For confirmation of accuracy and currency of the information, please contact the aerodrome operator.

Adelaide Albury Alice Springs Avalon
Bankstown Brisbane OLS Cairns Camden
Coffs Harbour Essendon Jandakot Karratha
Parafield Rockhampton Sydney Tamworth 1 | Tamworth 2

 

Drone noise

New noise regulations apply to drones. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts administer the drone noise regulations. Visit the Department’s website for more information about the changes.

Aircraft priorities

Aircraft priorities at controlled aerodromes are contained in the Aeronautical Information Publication Australia (AIP) ENR 10 Regulation of Flight – Assessment of Priorities.

RPAS surveillance

Increasingly, steps are being taken to monitor RPAS traffic in the vicinity of their aerodromes through passive surveillance systems.

Currently Airservices has deployed passive surveillance at all controlled aerodromes in order to understand current levels of risk from RPAS.

More information

See CASA https://www.casa.gov.au/drones for additional information including links to legislation, advisory circulars, guides to recreational and commercial flying, safety brochures, and forms.

See Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) for information on RPAS safety and occurrence reporting