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CASA Drone review update -

Via the Blacktown Sun:

Should you need a licence to fly a drone?: Blacktown Council says rules on drone use up

29 Sep 2017, 11:19 a.m.

Mayor Stephen Bali was worried about safety for bystanders.

Blacktown Council have responded to a discussion paper of regulations for drone use in Australia. Picture: AAP Image/Aaron Bunch

Should you need a licence to operate a drone? 

Blacktown mayor Stephen Bali said the question needs to be asked, as drone technology moves at rapid rate.

Cr Bali raised the issue during Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting, and asked councillors to air their thoughts on the issue.

“If we have to register a car, why not a drone?” he said.

Drones – or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), as they are officially called – have grown in popularity and accessibility in Australia.

In a discussion paper Review of RPAS Operations, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority estimates there are 50,000 unregistered RPAS in the country.

The council’s response to the paper said several key areas should be considered, including stationing public officers to enforce regulations and registration for all private drones.

It also supported flight logging systems, training for users and clearer guidelines on how councils could enforce legislation.

“As further recreational and commercial applications are found for these devices, so does the importance of safety and privacy regulation and compliance,” the council’s response stated.

Cr Bali raised safety concerns for bystanders, especially at major events or public places such as pools and sporting fields.

He said there should be regulations around the quality of drones available for purchase.
Councillor Kevin Gillies was worried about privacy issues, with most drones carrying cameras. 

Rules for flying a drone (source Civil Aviation Safety Authority):

• You must only fly during the day
  
• Drones must stay within your line of sight
  
• Drones can’t fly higher that 120 metres
  
• Drones can’t fly within 30 metres of other people
  
• You can’t fly in restricted areas or over populated areas (beaches, sporting fields)
  
• You can’t fly in areas with public safety concerns
  
• You can only fly one drone at a time
  

MTF...P2