DroneIT Systems: Essential Tools for Drone Operators in Australia

The drone industry is rapidly growing, with commercial drone operations now common across many sectors like real estate, surveying, and film production. To operate drones legally and efficiently in Australia, operators must use a range of droneIT systems that ensure compliance, safety, and seamless operation.

In this post, we’ll explore several key DroneIT tools and apps that are essential for Australian drone pilots, such as NAIPS, MyCASA, Ok2Fly, and OpenSky. These platforms help drone pilots plan flights, manage licences, and stay compliant with regulations. Additionally, we’ll highlight how the SkyMedia Training REPL course is different from most competitors, offering 100% in-person training to give operators the hands-on skills they need in real-world scenarios.

Why DroneIT Systems Matter

Using the right droneIT systems is critical for professional drone pilots to ensure they are operating within CASA regulations, avoiding restricted airspace, and staying updated on current flight conditions. Many operations require pre-flight checks, reviewing NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and verifying licences — tasks that can’t be overlooked in professional work.

However, managing these various DroneIT systems can feel overwhelming, especially for new pilots. At SkyMedia Training, we go beyond just teaching you to fly drones — we equip you with the skills to navigate these IT systems confidently. Our in-person REPL course provides personalised training on these platforms, unlike many of our competitors who rely heavily on online learning.

Now, let’s dive into some of the key droneIT systems every Australian drone operator needs to know.

1. NAIPS – Access NOTAMs and Flight Information

The National Aeronautical Information Processing System (NAIPS), managed by Airservices Australia, is the go-to platform for accessing NOTAMs and other flight information that is critical for drone operations.

What Are NOTAMs?

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is an alert that provides time-sensitive information about airspace restrictions, temporary hazards, or changes to flight conditions. For drone operators, checking NOTAMs before each flight is essential to ensure that no restrictions or hazards exist in the planned flight area.

Why NAIPS Is Crucial for Drone Operators

Drone pilots need to use NAIPS to check for restricted areas, military exercises, or emergency services operations. For example, if there’s a temporary airspace closure due to a large event or a VIP visit, you could face hefty fines if you fly through that space without checking NOTAMs first.

Logging Into NAIPS

  1. Visit the NAIPS login page.
  2. Create an account or log in with your credentials.
  3. Search for NOTAMs based on your flight location and time frame to ensure your planned flight area is free from restrictions.

At SkyMedia Training, our students receive full, in-person training on using the NAIPS system to check NOTAMs as part of their pre-flight preparation. Unlike many online courses that cover this superficially, we ensure our students leave fully equipped to navigate these crucial platforms confidently.

2. MyCASA – Manage Licences and Certifications

Every professional drone operator in Australia needs to keep track of their licences and certifications through the MyCASA portal. Managing your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC), and other certifications is crucial for staying compliant with CASA regulations.

Why MyCASA Is Essential

The MyCASA portal allows you to manage all your certifications, view the status of your licences, and apply for renewals or additional qualifications. This system simplifies the process of managing multiple certifications and staying compliant with CASA regulations.

How to Log Into MyCASA

  1. Go to the MyCASA login page.
  2. Log in with your CASA account credentials.
  3. Access your dashboard to view and renew licences, update your personal information, or apply for new certifications like the ReOC (Remote Operator Certificate).

At SkyMedia Training, our in-person REPL course goes beyond just flight training. We make sure students understand how to manage their certifications through MyCASA, ensuring they remain compliant long after completing the course. Many competitors, who rely on online training, do not offer this level of personalised guidance.

3. Ok2Fly – Quick Airspace Checks for Drone Pilots

Ok2Fly is an app that makes it easier for drone operators to check whether they are allowed to fly in certain areas. This user-friendly app provides a simple, visual overview of airspace restrictions.

Why Use Ok2Fly?

For quick airspace checks, Ok2Fly is one of the best tools available. It allows drone pilots to input their location and get an instant result on whether the area is safe for drone operations. The app takes into account:

  • Restricted areas.
  • Temporary airspace closures.
  • Military zones or airports.

With Ok2Fly, operators can make fast decisions about their flights without having to manually search for NOTAMs. It’s a great tool for small-scale operations or last-minute checks.

How It Integrates with NAIPS and MyCASA

Although Ok2Fly is a convenient tool, it doesn’t replace the need for a thorough pre-flight check via NAIPS or licence management via MyCASA. However, using all these platforms together can streamline your workflow.

At SkyMedia Training, we encourage our students to incorporate tools like Ok2Fly into their workflow for fast, reliable airspace checks. Our in-person training includes real-world scenarios where students use these tools to make informed decisions about their flights, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of commercial drone operations.

4. OpenSky – CASA-Approved Airspace App

Another highly recommended app is OpenSky, which is CASA-approved and helps drone operators check airspace restrictions and ensure compliance before flying. The app is available on both Android and iOS, making it highly accessible for drone operators on the go.

Why OpenSky Is Useful for Drone Operators

Much like Ok2Fly, OpenSky provides instant information about where you can and can’t fly, ensuring you remain within CASA’s legal requirements. It’s designed to be easy to use for both beginners and professionals.

Key features of OpenSky include:

  • Real-time updates on airspace restrictions.
  • Detailed information about nearby airports and restricted zones.
  • Compliance checks before each flight.

For commercial drone operators who frequently need to check multiple flight locations, OpenSky is a quick and reliable tool to keep in your kit. While it’s not a substitute for comprehensive checks via NAIPS, it adds an extra layer of security for last-minute flights.

The SkyMedia Training Difference: 100% In-Person REPL Course

At SkyMedia Training, we believe that hands-on learning is essential for becoming a confident, professional drone operator. Unlike many competitors who offer online-heavy courses, we provide 100% in-person training, ensuring that students receive real-time feedback from experienced instructors.

Why Our REPL Course Is Superior

  1. Practical, Real-World Training: Our students are fully immersed in practical drone flying and compliance exercises, using systems like NAIPS, MyCASA, and airspace apps like Ok2Fly and OpenSky.
  2. Personalised Guidance: Our instructors work directly with students to help them navigate these systems, providing hands-on support at every step.
  3. Comprehensive Understanding: Instead of leaving students to figure out complex IT systems on their own, we walk you through them, ensuring you understand how to use them effectively in real-world operations.

Choosing an in-person REPL course like ours is the best way to ensure you not only pass your exams but also leave with the practical skills necessary to manage professional drone operations. Online-heavy courses often lack this depth, leaving students unprepared for the challenges they will face in the field.

Conclusion: Mastering DroneIT Systems with SkyMedia Training

Using the right drone IT systems is essential for every professional drone operator in Australia. From accessing NOTAMs through NAIPS, to managing your licences via MyCASA, and performing quick airspace checks with apps like Ok2Fly and OpenSky, these platforms are indispensable tools for staying compliant and ensuring safe operations.

At SkyMedia Training, our 100% in-person REPL course gives you the hands-on skills needed to confidently use these systems, setting us apart from competitors who rely heavily on online instruction. Our approach ensures you leave the course fully prepared to handle every aspect of drone operation, from compliance to advanced flight techniques.