Drone Insurance and CASA compliance are separate, but they are closely connected.

An insurer generally expects drone operations to be lawful and appropriately authorised.

Do commercial drones need to be registered? #

Yes.

CASA requires drones used for business or as part of a job to be registered, regardless of weight.

Does every commercial operator need a RePL and ReOC? #

No.

The requirements depend on:

• Drone weight.
• Type of operation.
• Whether the operation falls within an excluded category.
• Where and how the drone is flown.

For example, some commercial operations using drones weighing 2 kg or less can operate within the excluded category without a RePL or ReOC, subject to the applicable requirements.

What other CASA requirements can apply? #

Depending on the operation:

• Operator accreditation.
• Remote Pilot Licence.
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate.
• Flight authorisations.
• Airspace approvals.
• Record keeping.
• Standard operating conditions.

Why does this matter to insurance? #

An insurer may consider whether the operator complied with legal and policy requirements when assessing a claim.

CASA also advises customers hiring drone operators to confirm that the operator’s insurance covers the services being performed.

What if the business changes its operations? #

Tell Webber Insurance where the business begins activities such as:

• Operating heavier drones.
• Flying outside standard operating conditions.
• Beyond visual line of sight operations.
• Operating near controlled airports.
• Using new specialist payloads.

The insurer may need to reassess the risk.