RELAXED regulations for the use of drones have been introduced, making life easier and maybe cheaper for farmers to use the handy new tools on their own land.
The new regulations, which came into effect on Friday, simplify requirements for drones on private land and introduces the new concept of ‘standard operating procedure’ to the regulation, King and Wood Mallesons partner Renae Lattey said.
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASA) allows landholders to use small drones without a remote pilot licence or an operator’s certificate for agricultural purposes, among other uses such as mining and petroleum industries.
Medium sized drones can be used without having to obtain an operator’s certificate, and without having to notify CASA.
The drone operator cannot receive additional pay above their normal salary for operating the drone – rather, they are paid in course of their regular work. But further clarification is needed over how regulations impact contractors employed by landholders to operate drones on their property.
A standard operating clause applies to private use of drones on private land. These conditions include one additional hurdle – that the drone must be operated within visual line of sight unassisted.
‘Standard operating conditions’ for drones on private land
Must be operated within visual line of sight - that means without the use of aids, like binoculars.
Flown at or below 120 metres above ground level by day.
Not operated within 30 metres of a person who is not directly associated with its operation
Not used in a prohibited or restricted area such as military zones or within 5.5 kilometres of an aerodrome.
Not flown over a populous where it could pose a safety risk.
Not operated over an area where an emergency operation is being conducted without approval of the person in charge of the operation.
“Licensing of drone use is of course just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the regulatory challenges posed by the proliferation of remote aircraft technology,” Ms Lattey said.
She expects to see a great deal more regulatory activity, particularly in relation ot privacy and sharing of information gathered by drones, liability for drones – particularly in populated areas and for autonomous drones.