Drone Licence Australia 2026: BVLOS, EVLOS and AusSORA, The Approval Pathway Every Commercial Operator Needs

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Short Direct Answer

To conduct EVLOS or BVLOS work in Australia, you generally need a RePL-qualified remote pilot operating under a ReOC, plus CASA authorisation for the proposed operation. An AusSORA-style safety case helps show how risks are controlled. Excluded Category operators cannot simply extend standard VLOS privileges.

Meta description: Drone licence Australia guide to RePL, ReOC, BVLOS, EVLOS and AusSORA approvals in 2026. Learn the pathway and book compliant training.

Detailed Explanation: What Changes Beyond VLOS?

A standard drone licence Australia pathway prepares a pilot for safe, compliant operations within normal operating conditions. These conditions usually include visual line of sight, daylight operations and a maximum height of 120 metres above ground level.

However, many commercial missions need more capability.

A survey team may need to inspect a long railway corridor. A mining company may need to monitor a large site. An emergency services contractor may need to cover an area that cannot be seen from one pilot position.

These missions can involve:

• EVLOS, or Extended Visual Line of Sight
• BVLOS, or Beyond Visual Line of Sight
• Operations near controlled airspace
• Operations above standard altitude limits
• Complex aircraft, payloads or communications systems
• Flights over larger areas or for longer periods

These operations are not automatically covered by a RePL. A RePL confirms that an individual pilot has completed the required training and assessment. It does not, by itself, approve every type of operation.

The organisation also needs the right operating structure. In most cases, that means a ReOC, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate. The ReOC holder is responsible for the organisation’s people, aircraft, procedures, training and safety systems.

The operator must then apply to CASA for the required approval. CASA assesses the proposed operation and its safety controls. This is where a structured risk assessment, such as an AusSORA-style assessment, becomes important.

RePL, ReOC and CASA Approval: Three Different Things

These terms are often confused.

A commercial drone licence Australia search often leads people to the RePL. That is a useful starting point. Yet advanced operations require more than an individual qualification.

The full pathway is usually:

1. Train and obtain a RePL.
2. Operate under, or obtain, a ReOC.
3. Build suitable operating procedures.
4. Assess the risks.
5. Apply to CASA.
6. Operate only within the limits of the approval.

For the current rules and application requirements, always check the CASA website before planning an advanced operation.

Key Facts Table: VLOS vs EVLOS vs BVLOS

The following table provides a practical comparison. Approval conditions can vary, so the final authority is the relevant CASA approval, instrument or operating limitation.

What Is VLOS?

Visual Line of Sight, or VLOS, means the remote pilot can see the aircraft directly without relying only on the screen or first-person-view camera.

The pilot must be able to understand the aircraft’s position, height and movement. They must also identify hazards and other aircraft in time to respond.

A screen image is not a substitute for direct visual contact. Binoculars and similar aids do not replace unaided visual line of sight.

What Is EVLOS?

Extended Visual Line of Sight, or EVLOS, allows an operation to extend beyond the pilot’s immediate visual range. It normally uses one or more trained visual observers.

The observer helps maintain awareness of the aircraft and surrounding airspace. The observer must understand:

• What they are expected to watch
• How to communicate with the remote pilot
• How to report hazards
• What happens if communication fails
• How the aircraft will be transferred between observers
• When the operation must be stopped

EVLOS is not simply “VLOS with a second person.” The operator needs documented procedures. The distance between the aircraft, pilot and observer must also remain within the approval conditions.

What Is BVLOS?

Beyond Visual Line of Sight, or BVLOS, means the remote pilot cannot maintain direct visual contact with the aircraft.

BVLOS creates additional risks. The pilot may not see another aircraft, a new obstacle or a changing ground hazard. The operation therefore needs stronger controls.

A BVLOS safety case may address:

• Command-and-control link performance
• Navigation and positioning
• Lost-link behaviour
• Detect-and-avoid arrangements
• Airspace coordination
• Aircraft reliability
• Emergency landing areas
• Weather limits
• Ground risk
• Pilot workload
• Training and supervision
• Maintenance and equipment checks

A drone with obstacle avoidance is not automatically approved for BVLOS. Technology is only one part of the safety case. CASA considers how the aircraft, people, procedures and operating environment work together.

The AusSORA Approval Pathway

AusSORA refers to an Australian approach to structured operational risk assessment for remotely piloted aircraft. It is based on the wider SORA concept used to assess risks in advanced drone operations.

It is important to understand what AusSORA is not.

AusSORA is not:

• A replacement for the RePL
• A replacement for a ReOC
• A universal permission to fly BVLOS
• A guarantee that CASA will approve an application
• A checklist that can ignore site-specific hazards

Instead, it helps the operator build a clear safety case. The operator identifies the risks, proposes mitigations and shows why the remaining risk is acceptable.

The exact CASA process and evidence requirements can change. Therefore, operators should use the latest CASA guidance and application material.

Step-by-Step Approval Process

1. Define the proposed operation

Start with the mission, not the aircraft.

Describe:

• The purpose of the flight
• The operating area
• The aircraft type
• The payload
• The planned altitude
• The distance from people and property
• The type of airspace
• The operating hours
• The number of pilots and observers
• The expected weather conditions

A clear operational concept helps reveal which approvals may be required.

For example, an inspection along a rural pipeline may involve BVLOS. A long bridge inspection may require EVLOS or a separate approval for operating near people. A flight near an aerodrome may require airspace coordination as well.

2. Confirm the operator structure

Determine whether the work will be performed:

• Under your own ReOC
• Under another organisation’s ReOC
• Through a contractor that already holds the required approval

An excluded category operator cannot simply add BVLOS to an existing accreditation. The operator must move into an appropriate ReOC and CASA approval pathway.

This is a major regulatory boundary. Excluded Category rules are designed for lower-risk operations that remain within standard conditions. They do not provide a general route to EVLOS or BVLOS.

3. Confirm pilot qualifications

The remote pilot should hold the correct RePL privileges for the aircraft and operation.

For BVLOS, additional knowledge requirements may apply. Depending on the operation and current CASA arrangements, this may include:

• The BVLOS examination, sometimes referred to as ReB1
• The Instrument Rating Examination, or IREX
• A supervision arrangement with a suitably qualified person

Do not assume that a pilot with extensive VLOS experience is automatically competent for BVLOS. Advanced operations require different knowledge and decision-making skills.

4. Build the operations manual

The operations manual explains how the organisation will conduct safe work.

For EVLOS, include:

• Observer selection and training
• Observer positioning
• Maximum observation distances
• Communications methods
• Handover procedures
• Lost communications procedures
• Weather and visibility limits
• Emergency procedures

For BVLOS, include:

• Flight planning
• Airspace assessment
• Command-and-control system checks
• Navigation performance
• Lost-link responses
• Contingency areas
• Emergency landing procedures
• Detect-and-avoid methods
• Maintenance controls
• Incident reporting
• Pilot currency and competency checks

The manual should describe actual practice. Copying generic procedures without testing them can create a weak safety case.

5. Complete the risk assessment

An AusSORA-style assessment normally considers both air risk and ground risk.

Air risk includes the chance of conflict with other aircraft. The assessment may consider:

• Nearby aerodromes
• Helicopter activity
• Emergency services
• Controlled or restricted airspace
• Local traffic patterns
• Aircraft detection and avoidance
• Communication with air traffic services where relevant

Ground risk includes the chance of injury or damage if the aircraft crashes or loses control. Consider:

• Population density
• Roads and railways
• Buildings
• Events
• Critical infrastructure
• Emergency landing zones
• Aircraft energy and mass
• Flight path design

The assessment should link every major hazard to a practical mitigation. For example, “monitor the area” is weak unless the operator explains who monitors it, how often and what action follows a warning.

6. Select and test the aircraft system

The aircraft must support the proposed operation.

Assess:

• Battery performance
• Redundancy
• Navigation
• Command-and-control range
• Firmware and configuration control
• Return-to-home behaviour
• Emergency landing behaviour
• Payload security
• Weather tolerance
• Data and communications performance

Test the system in conditions that resemble the real mission. A link that performs well in an open field may behave differently near buildings, power infrastructure or industrial equipment.

Ace Aviation’s related article, “GPS Jamming, RF Interference and Signal Loss: The Commercial Pilot’s Safety Playbook,” is useful background for this stage. Signal loss should be treated as an operational risk, not as a rare technical inconvenience.

7. Create contingency and emergency procedures

A strong application explains what happens when the normal plan fails.

Examples include:

• Loss of command-and-control link
• Degraded GNSS
• Unexpected crewed aircraft
• Weather deterioration
• Battery warning
• Aircraft system fault
• Unauthorised person entering the area
• Communications failure between pilot and observer
• Emergency landing outside the planned area

Each procedure should identify:

1. The trigger
2. The immediate pilot action
3. The communication process
4. The decision-maker
5. The point at which the mission is abandoned
6. The reporting requirement

8. Train the people involved

Advanced approvals depend on more than the remote pilot.

Training may be required for:

• Remote pilots
• Visual observers
• Mission commanders
• Spotters
• Ground crew
• Maintenance staff
• Operational control staff
• Safety managers

Everyone should understand their role. A visual observer who does not know how to report a hazard cannot provide an effective safety barrier.

9. Submit the CASA application

The ReOC holder submits the application and supporting material through the relevant CASA process.

The application may require:

• Organisation details
• ReOC information
• Pilot qualifications
• Aircraft details
• Operations manual sections
• Risk assessment
• Maps and operating areas
• Communications plans
• Emergency procedures
• Maintenance information
• Training and competency records

CASA may request clarification or additional evidence. Build time into the project for questions and revisions.

10. Operate within the approval

An approval is not a blank cheque.

The operator must follow the approved:

• Area
• Altitude
• Aircraft type
• Pilot requirements
• Weather limits
• Time limits
• Observer arrangements
• Communications methods
• Contingency procedures

If the proposed operation changes, the operator may need to amend the approval. Do not treat a previous approval as permission for a new mission.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: EVLOS railway inspection

A rail contractor needs to inspect a long section of track. The pilot cannot see the aircraft for the whole mission from one location.

The contractor may consider EVLOS. The plan could use trained observers at defined positions. The operation would need clear observer handovers, communication checks and limits on distance.

The contractor would normally need to operate under a ReOC and obtain CASA approval. The aircraft may remain below 120 metres, but that does not remove the need for EVLOS approval.

Example 2: BVLOS agricultural monitoring

A farm operator wants to monitor crops across a large property. The route extends beyond the pilot’s visual range.

The operator may need BVLOS approval. The safety case could address:

• Low population density
• Emergency landing areas
• Nearby roads
• Other aircraft
• Aircraft reliability
• Communications coverage
• GNSS performance
• Weather
• Pilot workload

A rural setting can reduce some ground risks. It does not remove airspace, link-loss or navigation risks.

Example 3: Mining and infrastructure inspection

A mining company wants to inspect a large site with an enterprise aircraft and thermal payload.

The mission may involve industrial radio systems, high structures, dust, heat and changing work zones. These factors can affect communications, visibility and emergency landing options.

The operator should assess RF interference and confirm how the aircraft responds to degraded navigation. Site procedures must also coordinate with vehicles, machinery and people on the ground.

Example 4: Emergency response

A search team wants to use a drone beyond visual range during a flood or bushfire response.

The operation may have urgent public benefits. However, urgency does not remove the need for risk controls. Emergency aircraft, changing weather, smoke, poor visibility and temporary airspace restrictions can increase risk.

The operator should establish communication with relevant agencies and confirm the operation’s legal authority before launch.

Choosing Training by Location

The right training location is only one part of an advanced approval plan. The operation’s risk profile matters more than the postcode.

Drone course Melbourne

Victoria’s capital combines dense urban areas, transport corridors, controlled airspace and large industrial zones. A pilot planning advanced work should learn how to identify populous areas, airspace restrictions and emergency landing options.

Drone course Sydney

The Sydney region presents complex airspace, high population density, major infrastructure and frequent helicopter activity. Mission planning must be detailed, especially near built-up areas and transport assets.

Drone course Brisbane

The Brisbane region includes urban development, ports, industrial areas, waterways and broad suburban corridors. Operators should consider changing ground risks, weather and the interaction between local aircraft activity and planned drone routes.

Drone pilot course Perth

Perth-based operators may work across mining, construction, agriculture and remote infrastructure. Long distances can make BVLOS attractive, but they also increase the importance of reliable communications, recovery planning and emergency response.

Drone training Hobart

Tasmanian operations may involve complex terrain, variable weather, agriculture, forestry and coastal assets. Terrain can affect visual observation, radio coverage and navigation performance. Operators must assess these factors for each mission.

For available courses and qualifications, review the Ace Aviation courses. A consultation can also help identify whether your planned operation needs only a RePL or a more advanced ReOC and approval pathway.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Treating the RePL as a BVLOS approval

A RePL proves individual competency. It does not approve a particular BVLOS mission.

Mistake 2: Assuming a small drone can fly BVLOS

Aircraft size does not remove the requirement for CASA approval. A small aircraft can still create air and ground risks.

Mistake 3: Using an observer without a procedure

An observer needs defined duties, training, communications and stop-work authority. Simply adding a second person does not create an EVLOS system.

Mistake 4: Relying on return-to-home

Return-to-home is a useful function. It is not a complete lost-link safety case. The operator must confirm what happens if the aircraft cannot navigate, communicate or safely return.

Mistake 5: Ignoring RF interference

Industrial sites, high-voltage infrastructure, mobile equipment and multiple radio systems can affect command-and-control links.

Mistake 6: Copying a generic risk assessment

CASA expects the safety case to reflect the actual aircraft, crew, area and mission. Generic documents often fail to address site-specific hazards.

Mistake 7: Forgetting ground risk

A low-density area may still contain roads, workers, buildings, livestock or critical infrastructure. Map the ground environment carefully.

Mistake 8: Treating an approval as transferable

An approval may be linked to a specific operator, aircraft, area, procedure or pilot arrangement. Check the conditions before using it for a new customer or site.

Mistake 9: Failing to control operational changes

Changing the aircraft, payload, route, altitude or communications system may change the risk. Review the approval before proceeding.

Mistake 10: Underestimating documentation

Advanced operations require evidence. Keep training records, maintenance records, flight logs, incident reports and risk reviews up to date.

CASA Considerations for 2026

CASA’s approach to advanced RPAS operations is increasingly focused on the complete safety system. This includes technology, procedures, people and the operating environment.

The following principles matter:

Standard conditions still apply where relevant

Moving into EVLOS or BVLOS does not remove the need to follow other Part 101 requirements. Operators must still manage airspace, people, privacy, aircraft safety and emergency situations.

CASA approval is operation-specific

A CASA BVLOS approval may include limits on:

• Aircraft
• Weight
• Area
• Altitude
• Weather
• Pilot qualifications
• Communications
• Operating hours
• Observer use
• Emergency procedures

Read the conditions carefully. A mission that looks similar may still fall outside the approval.

Broad-area pathways may not suit every operator

CASA has introduced and considered pathways intended to support broader BVLOS operations. Eligibility depends on the current rules, operator structure, aircraft, pilots and safety controls.

Do not assume that a broad-area pathway applies to your business. Check the latest CASA material before relying on it.

Airspace coordination remains important

Operators should use current aeronautical information and assess nearby aerodromes, restricted areas and temporary activity. Airservices Australia information may assist with airspace planning. Visit Airservices Australia for current aviation information and services.

Incident reporting and safety management matter

A professional operator should record incidents, near misses, lost-link events and procedural failures. These records help identify trends and improve the safety management system.

Ace Aviation operates under CASA.ReOC.1421 and focuses on practical, compliant training. More than 4,000 students have trained with Ace Aviation across Australia and international locations, including Singapore, Dubai, Korea and Malaysia.

Students may also access Altitude+ benefits and the DroneWork job board, supporting the move from training into professional work. These advantages complement, but do not replace, the formal CASA approval process.

Ace Aviation’s related article, “The Part 101 Rule Changes Every Commercial Drone Operator Must Know,” provides useful background on the wider regulatory framework. Together with the GPS and signal-loss article, it helps operators build a more complete compliance picture.

CTA: Build the Right Pathway

If your business is considering EVLOS or BVLOS, begin with a gap analysis.

Review:

• Your current RePL qualifications
• Your ReOC status
• Your aircraft and payloads
• Your operating areas
• Your risk assessment capability
• Your operations manual
• Your pilot and observer training
• Your CASA approval requirements

The Ace Aviation team can help you understand the training and operational steps before you invest in an advanced approval project.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best drone licence Australia pathway for commercial work?

Most professional pilots begin with a RePL. If the business wants to conduct more complex operations, it may also need a ReOC and specific CASA approvals.

The correct pathway depends on the aircraft, operation, location and risk level.

2. Can I fly BVLOS with a RePL only?

Generally, no. A RePL is an individual pilot qualification. BVLOS normally requires the pilot to operate under a ReOC and within a CASA-approved operation.

Additional BVLOS knowledge requirements may also apply.

3. Can an Excluded Category operator conduct EVLOS?

Not under the standard Excluded Category privileges. Excluded Category operations are limited to defined standard conditions, which are generally VLOS-based.

The operator would need to move into a ReOC and CASA approval pathway.

4. What is a CASA BVLOS approval?

A CASA BVLOS approval authorises an operator to conduct a defined beyond visual line of sight operation.

The approval may specify the area, aircraft, pilots, altitude, weather, communications and emergency procedures.

5. Is EVLOS the same as BVLOS?

No. EVLOS uses trained observers to extend the pilot’s awareness of the aircraft and surrounding airspace.

BVLOS does not rely on continuous direct visual contact with the aircraft. It needs a different safety case and operational structure.

6. Does EVLOS always require a visual observer?

EVLOS normally relies on trained visual observers. Their responsibilities must be documented and supported by reliable communication procedures.

The final requirements depend on the CASA approval.

7. Can a visual observer watch the drone through binoculars?

Binoculars do not replace unaided visual line of sight. An observer may use tools for situational awareness, but the operation must meet the relevant CASA requirements.

8. What altitude is allowed for BVLOS?

There is no single BVLOS altitude that applies to every operation. The permitted altitude is set by the relevant approval and other applicable rules.

Standard operations are commonly limited to 120 metres above ground level. Higher or different limits need appropriate approval.

9. What is AusSORA?

AusSORA is a structured approach to assessing operational risk for advanced drone missions.

It helps an operator examine air risk, ground risk, mitigations and residual risk. It does not replace a RePL, ReOC or CASA authorisation.

10. Is AusSORA mandatory for every drone operation?

No. A simple VLOS operation within standard conditions does not normally require a full advanced safety case.

However, complex EVLOS and BVLOS operations may need a structured risk assessment that aligns with CASA’s expectations.

11. Do I need IREX for BVLOS?

The answer depends on the operation and the current CASA requirements. The pilot may need IREX, the BVLOS examination or an approved supervision arrangement.

Confirm the specific pathway before enrolling or applying.

12. Can a small drone operate BVLOS?

A small drone may be suitable for some BVLOS operations. Its size does not automatically make the operation legal.

The operator must still show that the aircraft, communications, procedures and people manage the relevant risks.

13. Does obstacle avoidance make a drone BVLOS-ready?

No. Obstacle avoidance is only one safety feature.

A BVLOS safety case may also need to address navigation, communications, detect-and-avoid, contingency planning, maintenance and pilot workload.

14. Can I use another company’s ReOC?

You may be able to operate under another organisation’s ReOC. The arrangement must be genuine and clearly define responsibility for the operation.

The ReOC holder must control the relevant procedures, training and safety system.

15. Can I apply for BVLOS without a ReOC?

In most commercial situations, BVLOS approval is linked to a ReOC holder. An excluded category accreditation is not a substitute for a ReOC.

Discuss the proposed structure with CASA or an appropriately qualified aviation adviser.

16. How long does CASA approval take?

Timing depends on the application’s complexity, evidence quality and CASA workload. An application with unclear procedures may require several rounds of questions.

Allow time for planning, testing and revisions.

17. What documents are needed for a BVLOS application?

Documents may include an operations manual, risk assessment, maps, aircraft information, pilot qualifications, communications plans and emergency procedures.

The exact documents depend on the approval type and current CASA requirements.

18. Can I fly BVLOS near a city?

Possibly, but urban BVLOS operations can involve significant ground and air risks. Population density, buildings, roads, helicopter activity and controlled airspace may require strong mitigations.

A rural location is not automatically approved either.

19. Is a commercial drone licence Australia qualification recognised overseas?

A CASA RePL is an Australian qualification. Other countries may have different licences, approvals and conversion rules.

Ace Aviation’s global footprint can support broader aviation training goals, but operators must follow the regulations of each country.

20. Where can I start my training?

Start by reviewing the available drone pilot courses and identifying the type of work you want to perform.

You can then book a training discussion about RePL, ReOC support and advanced operational planning.

Summary

A standard VLOS operation and an advanced BVLOS mission are not the same regulatory task.

For most commercial operators, the pathway beyond VLOS includes:

1. RePL-qualified pilots
2. A suitable ReOC structure
3. Detailed operating procedures
4. An AusSORA-style risk assessment where appropriate
5. Tested aircraft and communications systems
6. Trained observers and support staff
7. CASA authorisation
8. Strict compliance with the approval conditions

Excluded Category operators cannot simply add EVLOS or BVLOS to their existing privileges. They must transition into the appropriate ReOC and CASA approval framework.

Ace Aviation Aerospace Academy provides CASA-approved training under CASA.ReOC.1421. With more than 4,000 students trained, international delivery across Australia, Singapore, Dubai, Korea and Malaysia, Altitude+ benefits and the DroneWork job board, Ace Aviation supports pilots at each stage of their professional journey.

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

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