Australian Drone Guide 2022/2023 - Buying and Flying

[@sandyewalpola4071]

Amazing job. Highly recommended. Cheers

[@Andyhutchinson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@denhamcreates]

Thanks Andy, flying a drone in Australia is hard and finding nice landscapes to fly over is almost impossible! still looking around, keep it up

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate :)

[@fernanjesusmorales577]

Well said! Thank you!

[@Andyhutchinson]

My pleasure!

[@stoffa]

This is a great resource for any drone operator. Thanks Andy!

[@Andyhutchinson]

No worries - glad it was useful :)

[@georgiablyth2003]

This is an absolutely fantastic and informative video. As someone who has just acquired their first drone - thank you for putting this video together!

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks Georgia - happy flying :)

[@gangleweed]

Yeah, me too,......just bought one.

[@dahhn_yel]

Thanks for the video Andy

[@Andyhutchinson]

No worries - thanks for watching :)

[@GUROEDDIE.07METFMA]

Thank you very much, fantastic resource for all drone users, it covers everything from A to Z on responsible operating procedures of drone operations🙏🙏👍👍

[@Andyhutchinson]

No worries :)

[@ingridmatschkephotography]

Very informative, thanks.

[@Andyhutchinson]

You're welcome!

[@apex7821]

Just bought a Air 2S for Photography and Recreational Use and this is a great guide. Some rules are absolute rubbish though but it’s Australia so I wouldn’t expect anything remotely close to freedom with this stuff

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate :)

[@billsmith305]

No freedom now in Australia,

[@nutrition_pk3023]

Thanks for sharing mate

[@Andyhutchinson]

No worries

[@judygarrysmith3315]

Thanks!

[@Andyhutchinson]

Epic. Thank-you kindly guys :)

[@danielcooper8212]

Thanks for a great video

[@Andyhutchinson]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@carysandell27]

Love your style of instruction. Excellent practical information. Thanks, Cary

[@pepitovfr]

Best guide I’ve seen on the new drone rules.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BigWillRacing]

Good report., thanks.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@4XDestinations]

Excellent information that is well presented in a professional manner.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thank-you kindly :)

[@robynlawrence3106]

Thank you for video lots of great information I have the Mavic Pro so it looks like I will have to register it the time comes only use it for recreational or when we are caravanning

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yep - unfortunately that is true.

[@stewmack4888]

Good video. Well done

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thank you very much!

[@dieselwilliams]

Great video and info 👍

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks! 👍

[@OutdoorsIQ]

Just a correction, the Avata has an equal camera to the Mini 3 Pro. Let me explain because I’ve got both. Both are 10 bit, both are 4K60 and 1080P120. The Mini has a slightly larger sensor 1/1.3 vs 1/1.7. The Avata has a wider FOV, 150 degrees vs 82 degrees. The Avata has an additional 2.7k 60fps option. The Mini has a full gimbal. The Avata doesn’t need one with rocksteady. The Avata has 20gb of on-board storage if you need it. The Mini has a bunch of shooting modes the Avata doesn’t. So very similar with a handful of slight differences. But on a technical level, nearly the same quality of video footage.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thank-you. I'm updating this guide soon, so that was useful info. :)

[@carysandell27]

Thorough AND (gasp) useful information as always. Wouldnt mind meeting up when i drive to sydney from melbourne in august (i do volunteer massage for oxfam trailwalker across aus & nz)

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks Cary :)

[@user-my8zo8uh3n]

THANKS VERY STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN,INFO GREAT EFFORT ON YOUR BEHALF GREAT VIDEO

[@Andyhutchinson]

No worries :)

[@4WLEX]

Thanks for sharing this. Is one of the video I’ve watched without skipping any single second! Interesting the airspace tips as well as learnt that some area of “no fly” are not active 24h. I wonder if oceans (from the foreshore onwards), it could be part of National park, or I can fly my drone from there, in my case drone fishing. I drove to Anna bay for a video, there I never made because of no drone sign.

[@Andyhutchinson]

From the high-tide mark out is not national park and, assuming it's not active restricted airspace, you can fly there any time.

[@4WLEX]

@@Andyhutchinson thanks for your reply! Next time I’ll check better.

[@TonesDroneVisuals]

Thanks Andy. Always good to keep updated👍

[@Andyhutchinson]

No problem 👍 thanks mate :)

[@grumpychristian8370]

Take a look at Potensic Atom 3axis gimble model. Excellent. PLenty of KZbins to back this up.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks. Looks like a neat little drone. Nice to see some competition.

[@andrewjohns6823]

nicely presented Andy

[@Andyhutchinson]

Cheers Andrew :)

[@dualarrow]

Great video Andy. I dont think you missed anything. I got a drone a few weeks ago and I'm still scouring through the rules to make sure I'm up to scratch. I also registered my drone, got an ARN and passed their test (not hard at all). I did query CASA on the "cannot fly over a populous" bit and was told that section isnt included for sub 250g drones if you have the RPA operator accreditation (the rest of the rules apply eg no closer than 30m to people). None of that was on their regs page. Thanks again for the great video.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Hmmm - that thing about populous areas for sub-250 is news to me. You got this direct from CASA? I'm going to have to reach out to them.

[@dualarrow]

@@Andyhutchinson Yep, direct from CASA.Specifically, their "Guidance Delivery Centre"

[@PilotMcbride]

Nice info Andy. I acquired a mini 2 a month ago and have been enjoying myself and amusing the grandkids. I hold light plane quals, not current atm due to health issues and am considering getting another drone with more endurance - better than 20 mins. One point I thought relevant though is that public roads are a barrier that must not be crossed. This gets up my nose because we overlook a river but unfortunately a highway and local road are between us and the river so legally I cannot take off from home and go fly up and down the river, 😂😂. 15 minute drive to get to a public area at the river, dammit, 😂😂. Good onya mate, not a bad sorta bloke for a Pom, 😂😂. Don’t panic, I married one who came across on the old deal in 1966, 😂😂 Cheers bud, stay safe.

[@Andyhutchinson]

You can fly over public roads as long as there's no cars on them. All the official guidance has to say is not to fly over 'busy' roads - not all roads. So wait until there's no traffic and send it mate. :)

[@thebunyip4037]

Great content again, good to see your subscribership is increasing - well deserved!

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate. Yea, the numbers are creeping slowly upwards in the right direction and I'll keep on doing what I'm doing :)

[@grazzasfreshwaterfishing]

Great video once again Andy - thanks again for the effort and sharing. Thanks

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate - glad you enjoyed it :)

[@tessportuguez9642]

This is amazing info - thank you Andy. I am a first time flyer.I bought the mini 3 pro - do I need to get permit when flying even though I will be following the rules. Say in remote park area where there are no people?

[@waynegreene6405]

Bottler video Andy, especially about flying over national parks . My sister lives at Jervis Bay and I love flying out to Sussex Inlet from Basin View using the Litchi app on my Air 2 s when we stay with her. Nice neck of the woods you are in hey mate.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate - yep - stunning place. The Inlet's an under-rated gem. :)

[@NickKendall]

Super helpful! Thanks so much. Made me realize I actually can fly a drone in my area so I’m going to buy one this week haha

[@Andyhutchinson]

Glad I could help, Nick :)

[@NorthsideHawk]

Great and informative video 🎉

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate :)

[@Jason_Connolly]

Nice collection of info Andy. I'm guessing when you are talking about the Mavic 3 Cine that you probably pointing more towards the standard Mavic 3 which is almost half the price. Keep up the great work mate

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks Jason. And yes, you're quite right -the Mavic 3 :)

[@paulsven7923]

Brilliant, thanks

[@Andyhutchinson]

No worries, thanks Paul :)

[@lauraclarke378]

Hey Andy :) What is the dealio with flying drones over semi remote highways with not many cars around? I have a DJI mini pro 3 and would like to try out some of the cool shots I see of campers driving down remotish highways with beautiful views. I’m confused with the legality of this. In SA atm. Thanks for the vid!!

[@Andyhutchinson]

Go for it. It's a public area and, if I was a pencil-pusher at CASA talking to the letter of the law then I'd say you can't fly directly over the top of other vehicles, but that's it. Fly a bit to one side or fly over your own vehicle and you won't break any rules. :)

[@lauraclarke378]

Thanks for taking the time to answer! Cheers

[@oldmannewtricks4962]

Yuneec make excellent drones and easy to get.

[@Andyhutchinson]

That's a good reminder - thank-you - really need to check out their current range. :)

[@subbers5246]

Very informative video. Is there any reason you couldn't fly FPV outdoors whilst looking at the screen without the mask on. Sure it'd be less enjoyable than popping the mask on, but assuming you maintain VLOS is there anything preventing this (arguably unecessary) work-around?

[@Andyhutchinson]

Legally there's no reason why you couldn't do it, but FPV drones only really work because the pilot's able to react quickly due to being in the driver's seat and not on the ground.

[@josephburrows3711]

Hi Andy I have a mavic air and i"m having trouble finding any where in Sydney to fly it, I'm thinking of giving it to a mate who has property in mid NSW , what drone would you sugest I buy, DJI wise, whats the best 250g. I should get. Thankyou for your Video.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Definitely the Mini 3 Pro without a shadow of a doubt. I understand your frustration trying to find somewhere to fly legally - so much of Sydney is in restricted airspace that it's a question of seeking out little pockets here and there. Sub-250g means you can fly within the 5k airport restrictions which is a big help in Sydney. :)

[@sharchopkota6664]

I am completely new to drone and I am planning to buy DJI 4 pro just for my family cycling travel in park and posting on ticktok or KZbin sometimes. Do I need to do anything registration or am I allowed to fly in national parks in Western Australia. Any advice is appreciated

[@Andyhutchinson]

The 'official' line is that you need permission in pretty much all parks in Australia. I believe that WA are among the most relaxed of the various state park authorities, with Victoria being the worst.

[@iCamSkiEz]

First off, fantastic video! Second why in the hell is FPV illegal, that seems absurd to limit?

[@Andyhutchinson]

What can I tell you - we live in an over-regulated society :)

[@sunghwanyoon5670]

Hi Andy, is there any rules or restrictions on flying a drone indoors? If i were to take some videos in a school classroom with everyone aware, would that be ok?

[@Andyhutchinson]

No legal ones, but I assume you’d probably have to do some kind of risk assessment for the school.

[@ChrisIsOutside]

quick update from that registration page: The Australian Government has decided to pause the planned introduction of a registration scheme for recreational drones (model aircraft) more than 250 g which was due to commence on 1 July 2023.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks mate - I'll update all this stuff with the new annual update to this video in a couple of months time. :)

[@ChrisIsOutside]

no worries - I had to look up the link on your video to double-check - great work BTW very helpful!

[@lifeofascrambler]

Also, a quick note - the DJI products are restricted in their use for military and govt applications, specifically relating to their external data transmission (cloud server) capabilities

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yea and possibly much greater clamp-downs coming soon.

[@twowheeledcruiser1385]

Great video Andy. I have a question regarding flying over private property. From my reading of the casa rules it says we cant fly over private property without owners permission. But as you say they dont own the airspace above it so why does casa say we need permission . I do not intend on flying over residential houses but where i live is rural and want to fly over open paddocks to get to rivers and such can you clarify this please thanks in advance

[@Andyhutchinson]

The way they determine whether it's permitted or not is that if the drone failed and fell out of the sky - would it pose an unreasonable risk to the life, safety or property of somebody who is in the area. So if you're flying over a paddock - then there's no risk to anyone or anything and therefore it's perfectly fine.

[@paullehmann8105]

The graphic at 25:43 showing civil twilight, where does it come from please?

[@Andyhutchinson]

Pretty sure it was from here - www.timeanddate.com :)

[@flyart3600]

Hello Andy I was wondering if you are able to fly your drone in enhance zone if your drone weight 250 or under.

[@Andyhutchinson]

You mean in restricted airspace? No, makes no difference what weight the drone is - restricted airspace means no to any size drone.

[@frankvarga1502]

Hi Andy, thank you for such a detailed and informative breakdown. My wife and I are departing on an indefinite round Oz trip in our caravan at the end of April starting with Tassie which we anticipate will take the best part of 6 months then off to the rest of Oz. I have never purchased a drone previously so as new to it as can be although played with some DJI models but that's as far as my experience goes. The DJI drone I will purchase must have active tracking and obstacle avoidance along with it's separate independent control unit. Obviously like most of us I do have a budget to go by but it is not set in concrete and is flexible for the right DJI unit. Your opinion and recommendations please. Many thanks in advance.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Mate - you can't go past the Mini 3 Pro. The size means you don't pay any tax on it and you don't have to register it or yourself either. It's highly portable, extremely capable and the perfect drone to take with you on the lap. :)

[@frankvarga1502]

@@Andyhutchinson Mate sorry for the late reply, thanks heaps for your opinion Mini 3 Pro it is. Cheers.

[@adamsky77]

Flying DJI Phantom 4 Pro at TAFE getting my RPA License. Remember all TAFE courses are FREE in 2023 even the normally $7000 RPA Cert course. 😎

[@Andyhutchinson]

Interesting info, thanks mate.

[@LugoKing]

Hey Andy, awesome video! Just a question in regards to flying sub 250g drones near controlled airports - all the CASA recommended apps state that you are unable to fly within the 5.5kms radius of a controlled airport - I thought that with a drone weighing less than 250g you are able to do so? I am RPA accredited and fly a DJI mini.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yea the apps have a blanket approach to any kind of restricted airspac - but the sub-250g exemption to the 5.5km airport rule is right there in the legislation. :)

[@user-my8zo8uh3n]

SUBSCRIBED

[@Andyhutchinson]

Cheers :)

[@sharetheadventure1]

Well done, Andy. Good info, Got a Q? for you Tho. in a lot of your videos, you use music in them. just wondering who you use to get it?

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thank-you kindly. I've tried all those music services but the best, and the one I use in my videos now, is Artlist :)

[@sharetheadventure1]

@@Andyhutchinson Thank you Andy

[@justthetruth870]

Another great video, thanks Andy. With regards to flying over a National Park. I live in South Australia and I am unable to find ant information that explains the legal aspect of taking off outside the park and the flying over the park in "airspace". No matter where I lokk it simply states that it is illegal to fly in these areas, even the CASA site says it's illegal Any suggestions where to look for the relevant info ? Perhaps it is simply illegal in S.A. Cheers. Mark.

[@Andyhutchinson]

You won't find it publicised because they don't want you to do it. But it's a black and white definition - if you take off from public land then you can fly over national parks and there is no legal impediment to that whatsoever. Parks can ban you from taking off within the park, but that's it.

[@justthetruth870]

@@Andyhutchinson Cheers Andy.

[@TopEndSpoonie]

@@Andyhutchinson To take this one step further ( drone less than 250gms ), if I was to take off from my hand, while in a National Park, and then catch my drone without landing on the ground in the National Park, I should be ok as well, since me being on their land does not give them authority over me. Would this also be a correct assumption?

[@bradtwomey5750]

Would flying a drone at a power station for work purposes when employed by said power station and paid a normal wage be classified as commercial

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yea it would. If you're getting paid it's commercial.

[@petermurphy1530]

i have a repl on your video you said it was free to get an arn i already had one as im a pilot but why was i told i had to do a 5 hour flight testing required by casa to get my repl im Peter

[@12dsolutions]

Thank you for your vid, some great infomation, cheers I would like to know however after doing a great deal of research im still unsure on this. if is fly my drone over my property at 30m and swing wide over my neighbours property can he call the police to get my drone cofiscated. Iv only just started flying and he has alreadt threaten to call the police on me. I would just like to know my legal rights if they are called. cheers

[@Andyhutchinson]

If you don't fly over his buildings (just the land around it) then it's absolutely okay. That part of the law pertains to damage to people's property so if there's nothing to be damaged should the drone fall out of the sky, you're fine. He doesn't own the airspace over his property any more than you do and he has no legal right to stop you flying over it if you don't fly over poeple or buildings.

[@shanebrigg3013]

@Andy Hutchinson Thanks Andy for the reply this is greatly appreciated as negotiating these drone laws is somewhat frustrating and difficult for us near mortals. lol Cheers again

[@TheRCvie]

Been looking into drones more lately, that rule of "line of sight" is BS. Can't FPV, can't explore around rocks or trees. Heaven forbid quad drones be anything more than a toy to stare at as it goes up and down.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yea it's a bit shit. :)

[@lifeofascrambler]

💯 agree. I sat in on some regulation working groups with CASA and I believe they’re working on a few caveats for FPV and BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) approvals, which should be updated in the next 12-24 months I think?

[@Nunya]

"You must not fly over or above people or in a populous area" so 'populous area' technically makes it unlawful to fly in any residential zones?

[@Andyhutchinson]

Nope. The regulations say this about populous areas, "An area in relation to the operation of an unmanned aircraft that has a sufficient density of population for some aspect of the operation, or some event that might happen during the operation (in particular, a fault in, or failure of, the unmanned aircraft) to pose an unreasonable risk to the life, safety or property of somebody who is in the area, but is not connected with the operation (see section 4.2.11)" So if you're not over a building, a vehicle or a person, it's fine.

[@ljks1993]

Do you need a ReOC in order to sell photo's though as wouldnt that make you a business, thus needing an ReOC and RePL?

[@ljks1993]

I think i found the answer to my own question, for anyone else wondering: a RePL and ReOC would only be required for commercial operations with drones over 2kg.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yep - as you discovered - you don't need any proper licences for most kinds of commercial drone work. :)

[@ianwilson6162]

I wanted to say thank you sir. Got my DJI mini 2 today. Your vids have been informative and covering the shitfuckery that is our government. I did the online test and got 100% :P I watched your 10 reasons not to buy a drone, loved it. You have got a subscribe from me. Love your humore btw.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Thanks Ian - welcome to the drone universe - it's very addictive! :)

[@sok5674]

What brands have RAW photo format ?

[@Andyhutchinson]

These days, most of them do. Even the Mini 2 shoots in DNG.

[@GalacticoUC]

Hi Andy i watched the last year, and this recent video, but im still have doubts about the drone manegement in Australia. Im from Chile, and i will be visiting the country soon, i have a DJI Mavic Air 2S (595g), Do i need to register in CASA, ARN, or do something to fly respecting the law?? Sorry if im been redundant. Thanks a lot

[@GalacticoUC]

im flying just for fun :)

[@Olvagga]

@@GalacticoUC For now you're all good and don't need to register. After mid-2023 you'll need to be accredited to fly any drone over 250g.

[@GalacticoUC]

@@Olvagga thanks!! :)

[@eprohoda]

ttotal unusual ~Andy~

[@Andyhutchinson]

Cheers :)

[@alihancaglar74]

Thank you Andy. Regarding the safe flying rules, I’m ok with CASA rules but not ok with “sheriffs” in public. Aus is such a sheriff country. We love having an opinion and say in what other people are doing. But anyway great video.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yea, I'm firmly in the 'no sheriffs' camp, if you know what I mean ;)

[@Streber_Kind]

Is there a way to legally fly FPV drones? Like a license or something like that? Or is it legal to fly on your own ground/ if you have a permission of the land owner?

[@Andyhutchinson]

Only two ways to do it legally. 1) Fly at a model aircraft club. 2) Get a full licence (RePL) and the operator certificate (ReOC) and a beyond visual line of sight authoriation. And even with a full licence etc, you still have to apply prior to each beyond visual line of sight flight and CASA will in the vast majority of cases, simply knock you back. Makes no difference whose land you're flying over (including your own) because once a drone's airborne it's under civil flight regulations. It's shit but that's the situation.

[@longstraightlines6747]

Drones are fast becoming a nightmare in the bush. Peace and tranquility wrecked by the manic buzz as someone films their bush campsite for a KZbin vid. I've seen wildlife disappear for hours after a drone incident. Making drones quiet would be a good start but until then I'll continue to 'deal' with them when they encroach on my space.

[@Andyhutchinson]

The drones are getting quieter with every iteration and there's a new prop design just released which is apparently a game-changer. :)

[@longstraightlines6747]

@@Andyhutchinson Thanks for the reply Andy. I've always loved the footage from drones (and who wouldn't!) and I'll buy one myself when they're quiet. Could you give me a link to the new props or a bit more info? Thanks in advance.

[@longstraightlines6747]

@@Andyhutchinson Edit... Google just told all about the new props. Looks promising!

[@jonm7547]

Australia nanny state: basically you cannot fly a drone anywhere, as there will always be people 30 m away even in large parks! Plus many parks have imposed bans for drones.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Yea, it's pretty restrictive.

[@themadears]

Can we fly in pinnacles desert?

[@VicToryPlaysDE]

Basically will leave my mini 3 pro while heading for 1 month van camping trip in Australia 😮‍💨 meh

[@Andyhutchinson]

Depends where you're camping. Mini 3 Pro is sub-250g and can be flown in many places as long as you observe restricted airspace. It's easy to look at ok2fly.com.au and see instantly if you're good to go. I reckon you should bring it along. Also - there's a newer version of this video on my channel here for the 2023/2024 period.

[@Christopher-xn8qk]

Civil Twilight?😅

[@volcomagain]

Watch on 1.5x speed. Thank me later.

[@Andyhutchinson]

Unfortunately Autism affects my delivery.

[@JordanSiow]

Good day Andy, I am intending to visit Australia to visit my family living there, may I ask for recreational use as of July 2023, am I allowed to bring and Fly it in Australia? ( to be specific my drone is a DJI Avata FPV)

[@Andyhutchinson]

FPV drones are banned everywhere in Australia apart from model aeroplane clubs. This is due to one of the CASA regulations that requires a drone pilot to have the drone in visual line of sight at all times. This does not mean that FPV drones don't get flown here - five minutes on KZbin will show you that - but nevertheless - that is the law.