REPL Training in Australia: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Certified Drone Pilot with SkyMedia
Drones are no longer just hobbyist toys or tech gadgets for aerial selfies. Today, they’re vital tools in industries as diverse as film, construction, agriculture, real estate, and emergency services. If you’re ready to turn your interest in drones into a career or business, the first step is earning your Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – and SkyMedia Training offers one of the best ways to do exactly that.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your RePL in Australia, what sets SkyMedia Training apart, and why now is the perfect time to join the drone revolution.
What Is an RePL? And Why Do You Need It?
The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia. It’s the formal certification required to operate drones commercially, meaning for any paid or professional work, or as part of a business operation.
While flying a drone recreationally doesn’t require a licence under 2 kg, once you cross into business use, having a RePL is essential – both legally and professionally.
RePL Benefits at a Glance:
- Legal approval to operate drones over 2 kg commercially
- Access to restricted airspace with additional approvals
- Professional credibility and increased job opportunities
- Insurance eligibility for commercial operations
- The ability to work under or apply for an Operator’s Certificate (OC)
Why Choose SkyMedia for Your RePL Training?
SkyMedia isn’t just another training provider. We’re an experienced team of aviation professionals, drone cinematographers, and CASA-accredited instructors passionate about drone safety, professionalism, and real-world results. Our RePL courses are designed to be thorough, engaging, and industry-relevant.
✅ CASA-Approved Courses
Our RePL course is fully accredited and complies with all CASA regulations, ensuring your qualification is valid Australia-wide.
✅ 100% In-Person Training
Unlike other training providers, SkyMedia offers fully face-to-face training. Why does that matter? Because drone flying is a practical skill. You’ll receive real-time instruction, hands-on practice, and immediate feedback from experienced instructors who know how to prepare you for real-world flying conditions.
✅ Airport-Based & On-Site Corporate Training
We operate out of professional venues-including an airport and a private flying field-which gives students a more realistic learning experience. We also offer on-location training for businesses, meaning we can deliver RePL courses anywhere in Australia for corporate clients.
✅ Multi-Rotor Specialist Course
Our course is specifically tailored to multi-rotor drones, the most common type used in commercial operations. We focus on practical flying skills, air law, and mission planning relevant to real jobs.
Course Breakdown: What to Expect in Your RePL Training
SkyMedia’s RePL course is structured across five days, combining CASA-mandated theory units with practical flight training.
🧠 Theory Training (3 Days)
- Air Law & CASA Regulations: Learn how to fly legally and safely within Australian aviation law.
- Meteorology: Understand how weather impacts drone operations.
- Navigation & Maps: Learn to interpret VNCs and ERSA for safe flight planning.
- Human Factors & Risk Management: Mitigate pilot error through situational awareness.
- Mission Planning: Execute professional-level job planning and flight logs.
🕹️ Practical Training (2 Days)
- Drone Control Techniques: From take-off and hovering to landing and emergency procedures.
- Simulated Job Flights: Conducting operations such as property filming, inspections, and area mapping.
- Assessment: Each student is evaluated on safe and accurate drone handling, situational awareness, and emergency responses.
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your CASA RePL (Multi-Rotor) licence and the Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) if required.
Course Inclusions
- CASA RePL (Multi-Rotor) Licence
- AROC Certificate (for flying in controlled airspace)
- Full student manual and learning resources
- Hands-on flight time with industry-standard drones
- Access to instructors for post-course questions
- Certificate of completion for employer records
- Bonus: Advice on next steps like applying for an OC
Who Takes This Course?
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and career paths:
- Film & TV professionals wanting to add aerial cinematography to their skillset
- Real estate agents looking to capture high-quality property imagery
- Tradies and builders conducting roof inspections or site overviews
- Agricultural workers monitoring large-scale land and crop areas
- Council and government employees improving infrastructure inspection workflows
- Small business owners exploring aerial marketing, tourism, or creative services
No prior drone experience is needed. We train absolute beginners right through to seasoned flyers wanting certification.
Why RePL Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Australia’s drone regulations are tightening. More clients are requesting proof of certification, and insurance providers are demanding it. Even as technology improves, the barrier to entry for legal commercial drone work is still a licence.
And demand is skyrocketing.
With SkyMedia’s RePL course, you’ll not only meet the legal requirements—you’ll stand out with best-practice training, knowledge, and confidence.
How We Compare to Other Training Providers
| Feature | SkyMedia Training | Online-Only Courses | Big-Box Providers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% In-Person | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ Often hybrid |
| Real Airport Training | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ Rare |
| Flexible for Businesses | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Some |
| CASA Certified | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| National Reach | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Real Industry Instructors | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always | ✅ Sometimes |
Post-Course Support & Pathways
After you receive your RePL, SkyMedia continues to support your journey:
🧭 Help with Your Operator’s Certificate (OC)
Want to run your own drone company or employ other pilots? You’ll need an OC. We guide you through the process and documentation required to apply through CASA.
📜 Advanced Endorsements
Planning to fly drones over 25kg? Or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)? We can advise on the next training steps and regulatory applications.
💼 Job and Business Advice
From choosing the right drone to pricing your services, we can help you turn your licence into a sustainable income stream.
What Students Say About Us
“Cam and the team were amazing! I learnt more in 5 days than I thought possible. The practical flying sessions gave me so much confidence.”
— Emily R., Construction Site Surveyor
“I already knew how to fly, but I needed the RePL to work commercially. This course didn’t just tick the boxes—it actually taught me useful stuff I now use every job.”
— Darren M., Property Photographer
“Getting my RePL through SkyMedia was one of the best career moves I’ve made. And they helped me apply for my OC afterwards too.”
— Natalie S., Drone Business Owner
Pricing & Course Dates
We offer competitive pricing with no hidden costs. Your course fee includes all materials, practical training, assessments, and CASA submissions.
👉 Click here to view course pricing and upcoming dates
Corporate rates are available for team bookings. Contact us for a tailored quote.
How to Book
Booking is simple and can be completed online in under 5 minutes.
- Visit our course page
👉 Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Multi-Rotor - Select your preferred location and date
- Pay securely online
- Receive confirmation and pre-course materials
Still have questions? Just contact us — we’re happy to help.
Ready to Fly?
Getting your RePL is more than a box to tick. It’s your licence to operate legally, safely, and professionally in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries. Whether you’re filming the next big TV series, surveying a remote property, or inspecting powerlines, it all starts with your RePL.
SkyMedia Training is your best choice for in-person drone training in Australia.
📍 Sydney-based, with instructors across Australia
🎥 Backed by real TV & film drone operators
✅ CASA certified
🧠 Practical, professional, personal