How to Get Your Drone Licence: The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Pilots
In today’s world, drones are used for everything from capturing stunning aerial footage to inspecting critical infrastructure. Whether you’re looking to fly drones for recreational purposes or you want to launch a professional drone pilot career, getting a drone licence is the key to unlocking new opportunities in the drone industry.
At SkyMedia Training, we offer a flagship Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Multi-Rotor <7kg course that’s fully in-person—unlike many others on the market. This course is designed to provide hands-on experience and the certifications you need to operate drones legally and professionally in Australia.
In this guide, we’ll break down the steps to getting your drone licence, explain why in-person training is the best way to learn, and show how our RePL course can help you succeed as a drone pilot.
Why Do You Need a Drone Licence?
Whether you’re flying for commercial purposes or just for fun, you must comply with Australian aviation laws. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates drone operations in Australia, and if you plan to fly drones for work or profit, you’ll need to get your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). Without it, you could face heavy fines or restrictions.
Having a drone licence allows you to:
- Fly drones weighing more than 2 kg for commercial purposes
- Operate drones in more complex environments, including controlled airspace
- Access new job opportunities in industries like real estate, media, and inspections
- Legally charge for your drone services
How to Get Your Drone Licence in Australia
Getting your drone licence involves several key steps. Here’s what you need to do to become a licensed drone pilot in Australia:
Step 1: Enrol in a CASA-Approved RePL Course
To get your drone licence, you must complete a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) course approved by CASA. At SkyMedia Training, we offer a fully in-person RePL – Multi-Rotor <7kg course that covers everything you need to know about flying drones safely, legally, and professionally.
Unlike other training providers that offer online-only courses, our in-person training gives you the opportunity to practice real-world flying under the supervision of experienced instructors. You’ll develop essential skills such as:
- Drone operation in various conditions
- Understanding airspace and weather patterns
- Flight planning and risk management
- Advanced manoeuvres and emergency procedures
Step 2: Pass the Theory Exam
The RePL course includes a theory exam that covers topics such as aviation law, flight safety, and drone technology. Our instructors will guide you through the study materials and help you prepare for the exam so you can pass with confidence.
Step 3: Complete the Practical Flight Assessment
At the end of the course, you’ll undergo a practical flight assessment. This involves demonstrating your ability to safely operate a multi-rotor drone under 7kg, perform complex manoeuvres, and follow safety protocols. The hands-on experience gained from our in-person course ensures you’ll be fully prepared for this assessment.
Step 4: Apply for Your RePL Through CASA
Once you’ve passed the theory exam and practical assessment, you can apply for your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) through CASA. After approval, you’ll receive your official drone licence, allowing you to operate multi-rotor drones under 7kg for commercial purposes.
Why Choose SkyMedia’s In-Person RePL Course?
With so many online courses available, why should you choose an in-person training option for your drone licence? Here are a few reasons why our flagship course is the best choice for aspiring drone pilots:
1. Hands-On Learning
Online courses may teach you the theory, but nothing beats real-world experience. Our in-person training lets you practice flying drones in real environments, giving you the confidence to handle any situation that might arise during a flight.
2. Personalised Instruction
At SkyMedia Training, we keep our class sizes small so each student receives personalised guidance from our expert instructors. You’ll get one-on-one coaching to help you develop your piloting skills and understand complex concepts like airspace regulations and risk management.
3. Access to Industry-Grade Equipment
During the course, you’ll have the chance to fly professional-grade drones used in real-world commercial operations. This experience is invaluable if you plan to pursue a career in the drone industry, as you’ll become familiar with the equipment used by professional UAV pilots.
4. Networking Opportunities
Our in-person courses also give you the chance to meet other aspiring drone pilots and industry professionals. Building connections in the drone industry can open doors to new job opportunities and partnerships.
What’s Included in the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Multi-Rotor <7kg Course?
Our flagship RePL course at SkyMedia Training covers everything you need to get your drone licence and start flying drones for commercial purposes. Here’s what you can expect:
Theory Modules:
- Basic Aviation Knowledge for RPAS
- Aeronautical Charts and Publications
- Meteorology for RPAS Operations
- Air Law and Regulations
- Human Factors in RPAS
- Automated Flight Management Systems
Practical Modules:
- Pre-Flight and Post-Flight Procedures
- Multirotor Control: Take-off, Hovering, and Landing
- Advanced Flying Techniques
- Energy Management for RPAS
- Emergency Response and Abnormal Situations
Additional Certification:
As part of our RePL course, you’ll also complete the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC), which is required for operating drones in controlled airspace.
Career Opportunities for Drone Licence Holders
Once you’ve obtained your drone licence, you’ll be qualified to pursue a range of career opportunities in the rapidly growing drone industry. Here are just a few examples of the types of jobs you can take on with an RePL:
1. Aerial Photography and Videography
Many licensed drone pilots work as aerial photographers or videographers, providing services for real estate companies, film productions, and events. Drones are widely used to capture stunning aerial footage that would otherwise be impossible or expensive to obtain.
2. Infrastructure Inspections
Drone pilots are increasingly being hired to conduct inspections of critical infrastructure such as power lines, wind turbines, and bridges. Using drones for these inspections reduces the need for human workers to access dangerous or difficult-to-reach areas.
3. Agriculture and Precision Farming
Farmers are using drones to monitor crops, assess soil health, and optimise irrigation systems. As a licensed drone pilot, you can help farmers improve their yields and reduce waste by providing aerial data on crop conditions.
4. Surveying and Mapping
Drones are also used for land surveying and mapping, particularly in construction, mining, and environmental management. With your drone licence, you’ll be qualified to offer these services to clients in need of accurate, high-resolution maps.
Future Trends in Drone Piloting
The drone industry is evolving rapidly, and the demand for skilled UAV pilots is expected to continue growing. Here are some of the key trends that will shape the future of the industry:
1. Autonomous Drones
As drone technology advances, autonomous drones are becoming more common. These drones can perform tasks without human intervention, but licensed pilots will still be needed to oversee their operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
2. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations
Many commercial drone operations, such as long-distance deliveries and infrastructure inspections, require flying beyond visual line of sight. BVLOS operations are expected to become more widespread, and obtaining additional certifications for BVLOS will open up even more job opportunities for drone pilots.
3. AI and Data Analysis
Drones are increasingly being used for data collection, and AI-driven data analysis tools are becoming more sophisticated. As a licensed drone pilot, you’ll be well-positioned to take advantage of these tools to provide clients with actionable insights from the data collected during drone flights.
Conclusion: Start Your Drone Pilot Career with SkyMedia Training
Getting your drone licence is the first step toward a rewarding career as a professional drone pilot. At SkyMedia Training, our fully in-person RePL – Multi-Rotor <7kg course provides the hands-on experience, personalised instruction, and industry insights you need to succeed.
Our expert instructors are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals, and our course includes everything you need to get certified and start flying commercially. Don’t wait—enrol in our flagship RePL course today and take the first step towards your future in the drone industry.
Check out our course offerings, and get in touch with us to learn more about how you can earn your drone licence with SkyMedia Training.