GUIDE · DRONE GUIDES & RESOURCES
GUIDE · DRONE GUIDES & RESOURCES
If you're hiring a drone operator for commercial work—real estate photography, venue fly-throughs, or event coverage—you'll hear the term ReOC (Remote Operator's Certificate) mentioned. But what does it actually mean, and why should you care?
The answer determines whether your drone shoot is performed legally, safely, and with proper insurance coverage.
A Remote Operator's Certificate is the CASA-issued license that authorises a business to conduct commercial drone operations in Australia. It's not a pilot license—it's a company certificate that enables the business to:
- Legally charge for commercial drone services (including FPV, night ops, and aerial cinematography)
- Apply for specialised approvals (EVLOS, night ops, operations near people)
- Operate drones over 2kg commercially
- Maintain an approved Safety Management System (SMS)
ReOC holders are regulated aviation businesses. They file annual reports to CASA, maintain operational manuals, and undergo compliance audits.
| Certificate | Who Holds It | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| **ReOC** (Remote Operator's Certificate) | The business/company | Authorises the business to conduct commercial drone operations |
| **RePL** (Remote Pilot's License) | The individual pilot | Authorises an individual to fly a drone for commercial purposes |
A legitimate commercial operator has both: a ReOC for the business and RePL-holding pilots flying the actual missions.
Most public liability insurers require the operator to hold a valid ReOC. If a claim arises from an unlicensed operation, the insurance policy can be voided—leaving you exposed.
Operators without a ReOC who charge for drone services are operating unlawfully under CASR Part 101. Penalties include fines and enforcement action from CASA.
ReOC holders must maintain documented:
- Operational manuals
- Risk assessments
- Maintenance schedules
- Incident reporting procedures
- Pilot training records
This is the difference between a professional operator and someone with a consumer drone and a business card.
Want night filming? FPV fly-throughs? Operations near people? These require additional approvals that only ReOC holders can obtain.
Commercial drone regulation in Australia operates under:
- CASR Part 101 — the primary regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft
- CASA Manual of Standards Part 101 — detailed operational standards
- AC 101-01 — advisory circular for ReOC applications
An operator without a ReOC charging for services is in breach of regulation 101.075 (operating a UAS for hire or reward without authorisation).
Ask your operator for their ReOC number (format: CASA.ReOCA.XXXX). Then:
1. Check CASA's online register at casa.gov.au
2. Request a copy of their certificate — a legitimate operator provides it gladly
3. Cross-check the business name — the ReOC must match the trading entity
If the operator can't or won't provide their ReOC number—red flag.
- CASA ReOC holder — full remote operator's certificate
- EVLOS approval — for commercial outdoor FPV operations
- Night Operations approval — CASA-authorised after-dark work
- Public Liability Insurance — current certificate of currency
- 9 years' continuous drone operations
No. Charging for the commercial drone services covered in these guides—FPV cinematography, night work, and standard aerial production—requires a ReOC under CASA regulations.
You may be party to an unlawful operation. If something goes wrong (property damage, injury), your insurance position could be compromised.
The CASA application process is rigorous: documented safety case, operational manual, pilot qualifications, and a demonstrated safety culture. It separates professionals from hobbyists.
Yes. ReOCs must be renewed periodically. Always verify the current status of an operator's certificate.
This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Current as of August 2026.
Reignland Media — CASA ReOC · EVLOS-approved · Fully insured
More guides: CASA Drone Regulations Guide · What Is EVLOS? · Client Liability Guide · FPV vs Standard Drone · Choosing a Licensed FPV Operator
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