Drone Licence Australia 2026: BVLOS and EVLOS Explained — How to Fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight Legally

Meta description: Get your drone licence Australia with BVLOS and EVLOS training. Learn CASA rules, AusSORA and approval pathways. Book your course today.

Short direct answer

To fly BVLOS or EVLOS in Australia in 2026, you generally need a drone licence Australia (the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)), access to a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) and specific CASA approval. BVLOS pilots may also need the ReB1 BVLOS exam or IREX, depending on the airspace.

EVLOS uses trained visual observers to extend the pilot’s operating area. BVLOS relies on approved procedures, communications, risk controls and technology such as detect-and-avoid systems.

What BVLOS and EVLOS mean

VLOS, or visual line of sight, means the remote pilot can directly see the drone throughout the flight. The pilot must understand the aircraft’s position, direction and surrounding traffic.

EVLOS, or extended visual line of sight, allows trained visual observers to help extend the pilot’s view. However, EVLOS is not simply a larger VLOS operation. It requires documented procedures, reliable communication and CASA authorisation.

BVLOS, or beyond visual line of sight, means the pilot cannot directly see the drone for all or part of the flight. The operation must use a structured safety system. This may include telemetry, geofencing, contingency procedures, airspace monitoring and detect-and-avoid technology.

A drone licence alone does not automatically give you BVLOS or EVLOS privileges. These operations require a safety case that matches the aircraft, location, airspace, population density and mission.

Drone licence Australia: key facts

The RePL confirms that a pilot has the required knowledge and practical skills for the relevant remotely piloted aircraft category.

The ReOC applies to the operator. It supports the organisation’s procedures, safety management, training, maintenance and operational control. A pilot may work under their employer’s ReOC rather than holding one personally.

An AROC is different. It covers aeronautical radio operations. It may be required for some aviation communications roles, but it does not replace a RePL, ReOC or BVLOS approval.

How to become a drone pilot in Australia for BVLOS work

If you are researching how to become a drone pilot Australia, follow this pathway.

1. Gain the appropriate RePL

Start with a CASA-approved RePL course. Your training should match the aircraft and work you plan to perform.

Ace Aviation provides professional drone courses for new and experienced operators. Training should cover aviation law, risk management, meteorology, airspace, emergency procedures and practical flight skills.

2. Build operational experience

BVLOS work requires more than basic aircraft control. You should understand mission planning, flight logs, maintenance, batteries, communications and abnormal situations.

Experience with mapping, inspection, surveying or industrial payloads can also improve your employability.

3. Work under a ReOC

Most commercial BVLOS and EVLOS operations are conducted under a ReOC. You can work for an existing operator or help your organisation develop its own approval.

Ace Aviation operates under CASA.ReOC.1421 and has trained more than 4,000 students for professional aviation roles.

4. Complete the required advanced assessment

For BVLOS outside controlled airspace, a pilot may need the ReB1 BVLOS exam. For operations involving controlled airspace, the Instrument Rating Examination (IREX) may be required.

Some approved operations allow a pilot to work under supervision. Always confirm the current CASA conditions for your role and operation.

5. Choose the correct CASA approval pathway

For a new complex operation, use the AusSORA framework. CASA’s specific operations risk assessment guidance explains how operators should assess and control risk.

AusSORA is supported by Advisory Circular AC 101-06, effective from 13 April 2026. It provides a structured method for assessing ground risk, air risk, operational safety and mitigations.

6. Check whether the broad-area BVLOS trial applies

The CASA broad-area BVLOS trial, established through TMI 2025-03, includes four standardised pathways for eligible small remotely piloted aircraft.

A1 and B1 generally require basic ground-risk controls. A2 and B2 require stronger controls, such as sheltering or a parachute recovery system.

These are not automatic permissions. The operator must still meet the trial’s eligibility requirements and apply through the relevant process. Read the CASA broad-area BVLOS trial information before planning an operation.

Real-world BVLOS and EVLOS examples

Mining near Perth

A mining operator near Perth may use BVLOS aircraft for stockpile surveys, site monitoring or corridor inspections. The operator must consider workers, vehicles, terrain, communications and emergency landing areas.

Agriculture in regional Queensland

Agricultural operations may use BVLOS for crop monitoring or livestock observation. The risk assessment should address changing weather, remote launch sites, low-altitude obstacles and people entering the operating area.

Infrastructure inspections in Sydney and Melbourne

A utility operator near Sydney or Melbourne may use EVLOS for bridge, rail or construction inspections. Visual observers can help maintain awareness around structures, roads and other aircraft.

Port operations in Brisbane

Port environments near Brisbane can involve cranes, ships, restricted areas, workers and complex radio traffic. BVLOS approval does not remove the need to coordinate with the port authority and relevant airspace users.

Terrain mapping in Hobart

Terrain mapping near Hobart may involve hills, valleys and changing radio coverage. The operator must show how the aircraft will remain controllable and how the mission will end safely if communications fail.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a RePL automatically permits BVLOS.
• Treating an observer as an informal spotter without training or procedures.
• Selecting a TMI 2025-03 pathway without checking aircraft size and population density.
• Using detect-and-avoid technology without proving its performance and limitations.
• Ignoring controlled airspace, temporary restrictions or local hazards.
• Failing to update the operations manual.
• Assuming an AROC grants permission to operate beyond visual line of sight.
• Applying for approval before defining the exact aircraft, route, altitude and operating area.
• Treating a previous approval as permission for a different mission.
• Forgetting that weather, terrain, batteries and communications can change the risk profile.

CASA considerations for commercial drone operators

CASA approval is based on the whole operation, not just the pilot or drone. Your application should clearly describe:

• The aircraft, software and payload.
• Pilot qualifications and supervision arrangements.
• The route, operating area and maximum altitude.
• Nearby people, roads, buildings and aircraft activity.
• Communications and command-link performance.
• Detect-and-avoid capability, where required.
• Lost-link and emergency procedures.
• Maintenance, battery and pre-flight controls.
• Observer duties for EVLOS operations.
• Training, records and safety reporting.

Ace Aviation helps students build this foundation through practical, compliance-focused training. Our BVLOS training pathway supports pilots who want to move beyond basic commercial operations.

Our global training footprint includes Australia, Singapore, Dubai, Korea and Malaysia. Students also gain access to the Altitude+ program, industry guidance and the DroneWork job board, which connects qualified operators with employment opportunities.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I fly BVLOS with a RePL only?

Usually, no. You generally need to operate under a ReOC and hold the required advanced qualification or supervision arrangement.

2. Is EVLOS the same as BVLOS?

No. EVLOS uses visual observers to extend human observation. BVLOS operates without continuous direct visual sight by the pilot.

3. Do I need a ReOC for EVLOS?

Most extended commercial EVLOS operations require access to a ReOC and CASA approval.

4. What is AusSORA?

AusSORA is CASA’s structured risk assessment framework for complex remotely piloted aircraft operations.

5. What is AC 101-06?

AC 101-06 is CASA’s advisory circular explaining how operators should apply AusSORA.

6. What is TMI 2025-03?

TMI 2025-03 establishes the broad-area BVLOS trial and its four standardised approval pathways.

7. Is the BVLOS trial an automatic approval?

No. Operators must meet the eligibility rules and apply through the correct pathway.

8. Do I need the ReB1 exam?

You may need it for BVLOS operations outside controlled airspace. Requirements depend on the operation and current CASA instruments.

9. Do I need IREX?

IREX may be required for BVLOS operations in or near controlled airspace. Confirm the requirement for your proposed mission.

10. Does detect-and-avoid technology replace CASA approval?

No. It supports risk control but does not replace licensing, operator certification or approval.

11. Can recreational pilots fly BVLOS?

The simplified recreational rules do not permit BVLOS operations. BVLOS requires an approved professional pathway.

12. Does an AROC allow BVLOS flight?

No. An AROC relates to aeronautical radio operations. It is separate from BVLOS authority.

13. Can I fly BVLOS over a city?

Not automatically. Urban operations require a detailed risk assessment and suitable CASA approval.

14. What is a commercial drone licence in Australia?

There is no single licence covering every commercial activity. A RePL, operator approval and mission-specific authorisations may all apply.

15. Are there drone pilot jobs in Australia?

Yes. Opportunities exist in mining, agriculture, surveying, inspection, emergency services, construction and logistics. The DroneWork job board is one place to explore current opportunities.

16. Where can I start my training?

You can review Ace Aviation’s courses and choose training suited to your career goals.

Summary

BVLOS and EVLOS are valuable pathways for professional drone work, but they require more than aircraft skills. A compliant operator must combine the right RePL, ReOC structure, advanced assessment, risk controls and CASA approval.

Whether you plan mining work near Perth, infrastructure inspections in Sydney or mapping near Hobart, begin with the operation you want to perform. Then match your training and approval pathway to the real risks.

Ace Aviation brings CASA.ReOC.1421, more than 4,000 trained students, international experience and practical industry training to your next step.

Ready to start? Book your training at aaa.edu.au or call 1300 336 366.

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