GUIDE · DRONE GUIDES & RESOURCES
GUIDE · DRONE GUIDES & RESOURCES
If you're hiring a drone operator for commercial work—a venue tour, real estate listing, or event coverage—you might not realise that not every operator can legally fly FPV outdoors.
In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires commercial FPV flights to be conducted under an EVLOS (Extended Visual Line of Sight) or BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) approval. Without it, outdoor FPV operations are not compliant with aviation regulations.
This guide explains what EVLOS is, why it exists, and why it matters when you're choosing a drone cinematography partner.
EVLOS stands for Extended Visual Line of Sight. It's a CASA approval that permits a drone pilot to use First Person View (FPV) goggles or a screen without maintaining direct unaided sight of the drone—within certain limits.
Under standard drone rules (CASR Part 101), a pilot must always keep the drone within visual line of sight. This is impossible when wearing FPV goggles, because the pilot is looking through the drone's camera, not at the drone itself.
EVLOS approval solves this by:
1. Authorising an observer — a second person who maintains unaided visual contact with the drone
2. Defining a spatial operating volume — the observer keeps the drone within a known airspace
3. Establishing communication protocols — the observer can instruct the pilot to abort the flight if a hazard enters the airspace
The result: the pilot enjoys the immersive FPV perspective while the observer ensures the flight stays safe and compliant.
| Approval | What It Means | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| **VLOS** (Visual Line of Sight) | Pilot keeps the drone in sight at all times. No FPV goggles allowed | Standard aerials, photography, inspections |
| **EVLOS** (Extended VLOS) | FPV goggles permitted. An observer maintains VLOS of the drone. Flight kept within a defined volume | Commercial FPV fly-throughs, venue tours, real estate listings |
| **BVLOS** (Beyond VLOS) | Drone flies beyond the pilot's visibility range entirely. Requires extensive safety case approval | Long-range infrastructure inspection, remote surveying |
For FPV venue and real estate work, EVLOS is the relevant approval. It covers the distances and environments typical of property tours.
EVLOS approvals are issued under CASA CASR Part 101 and the CASA Manual of Standards Part 101. Key requirements:
- The operator must hold a ReOC (Remote Operator's Certificate)
- The EVLOS approval must specify the class of operations (e.g., outdoor FPV cinematography)
- Each flight must have a safe landing area within the defined operating volume
- The observer must be trained and briefed on the flight plan
CASA's official guidance (casa.gov.au/drones/drone-rules/flying-first-person-view) states:
"If you want to fly FPV for commercial purposes, you must apply for approval to fly either extended visual line-of-sight (EVLOS) or beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS)."
If you're commissioning FPV drone work, here's what you need to verify:
1. "Do you hold a CASA EVLOS approval for commercial FPV?"
- A legitimate operator has this in writing from CASA.
- EVLOS approval is specific—it names the operator and the approved operations.
2. "Are you covered by a CASA ReOC?"
- A Remote Operators Certificate means the operator is a properly constituted aviation business with CASA oversight.
- ReOC holders undergo regular compliance audits.
3. "Can you provide a certificate of currency for public liability insurance?"
- Commercial drone insurance is separate from general business insurance.
- Verify the policy covers drone operations specifically.
- Vague answers — If they can't name their approval type, they likely don't hold one
- "It's just a small drone" — Commercial FPV still requires EVLOS or BVLOS approval, regardless of drone size
- "We do it all the time" — Habit doesn't equal legality
- No ReOC number — Every approved operator has a CASA-issued ReOC number
This isn't just the operator's problem. If an unapproved FPV flight goes wrong on your property:
- Insurance claims may be denied if the operation was unlawful
- Public liability exposure transfers to the venue/event organiser
- CASA enforcement can include penalties and prosecutions
- Your reputation takes the hit
The onus isn't only on CASA—clients who commission drone work carry real exposure too. Verifying the operator's credentials before booking is part of protecting your business.
Reignland Media operates under:
- CASA ReOC — full Remote Operator's Certificate
- EVLOS approval — specific authorization for commercial outdoor FPV
- Public Liability Insurance — full coverage, certificate available on request
- 9 years' drone operations
- 300+ flight hours logged
- Fully documented flight plans — risk assessment before every job
Yes. Indoor FPV for recreation needs no CASA approval. However, commercial indoor FPV still falls under the ReOC framework, and outdoor commercial FPV definitively requires EVLOS or BVLOS approval.
Yes. The approval applies to the operation, not the duration. Even a 30-second outdoor FPV shot requires EVLOS approval.
An observer (spotter) is part of the EVLOS approval. An operator who uses a spotter without CASA EVLOS approval is still operating unlawfully—the approval authorises the observer arrangement.
Ask for their ReOC number and EVLOS approval reference. You can verify ReOC holders via CASA's online register or by contacting CASA directly.
This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Current as of August 2026. Always consult CASA's official publications for the most current regulatory requirements.
Reignland Media — CASA ReOC · EVLOS-approved for commercial FPV · Fully insured
More guides: CASA Drone Regulations Guide · Client Liability Guide · FPV vs Standard Drone · Choosing a Licensed FPV Operator · ReOC Explained
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