Choosing a UAV Drone operator
Choosing a Drone Operator in Australia: What You Need to Ask Before You Hire
Hiring a drone operator in Australia isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest quote or the flashiest demo reel. If the operator isn’t licensed or insured, you — and your business — could be on the hook for serious legal consequences.
Whether you’re a real estate agency, production company, or marketing firm, choosing a drone operator is a process that requires due diligence. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what questions to ask, what documentation to request, and why compliance matters more than most clients realise.
Why Drone Operator Compliance Matters
Drone footage has become incredibly popular across industries — from luxury real estate to film and television, tourism, agriculture, inspections, and more. But as the demand for drone content increases, so too does the risk of hiring unlicensed operators who cut corners.
All commercial drone operators in Australia are regulated by CASA (the Civil Aviation Safety Authority). CASA has strict guidelines for where and how drones can be flown, particularly around people, buildings, roads, and other aircraft.
Using an unlicensed operator can expose you to:
- Fines of up to $26,640 for breaches of CASA regulations
- Loss of insurance coverage in the event of damage or injury
- Legal liability as a business or individual that engaged a non-compliant service
- Potential reputational damage if a shoot is cancelled, grounded, or ends up in litigation
That’s why you must always ensure your drone operator holds the correct certifications and insurance — and that you, as the client, ask the right questions upfront.
1. Are You Licensed by CASA?
All drone operators conducting commercial work in Australia must hold an Operator’s Certificate (OC) issued by CASA. This is non-negotiable. It is the licence for the business, not just the individual pilot.
The OC outlines what type of operations the business is authorised to perform, including:
- Types of drones (weight class, categories)
- Locations (populous areas, beyond visual line of sight, etc.)
- Operational scope (cinematography, inspections, mapping)
If a drone operator cannot provide their CASA-issued Operator’s Certificate, they are operating illegally.
SkyMedia is fully licensed and can supply our Operator’s Certificate upon request. This means our clients are fully protected, and our work is CASA-compliant.
You can verify an operator’s licence directly on CASA’s RPA Operator Accreditation Register.
2. Can You Provide a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)?
The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is the individual licence issued to drone pilots by CASA. Any pilot flying for commercial purposes must hold an RePL for the weight and category of drone being used.
Ask your operator:
- Who will be piloting the drone?
- Are they licensed for this type of aircraft?
- Can they provide a copy of their RePL?
This confirms that the pilot has completed the required CASA training and understands aviation law, airspace restrictions, and safety procedures.
3. Are You Fully Insured?
No Operator’s Certificate = no public liability insurance. It’s that simple.
Any reputable drone operator will hold comprehensive public liability insurance, usually covering $10–20 million AUD. This protects both you and the operator in the event of:
- Property damage
- Personal injury
- Accidents or equipment failure
If your operator doesn’t have public liability insurance, or says they’re “in the process” of getting it — walk away.
At SkyMedia, we carry full insurance, including aerial liability, ensuring that every job we do is protected from the ground up.
4. What Type of Equipment Do You Use?
While compliance is essential, capability also matters. Make sure your chosen operator is using professional-grade equipment suitable for the job.
Ask questions like:
- What drone(s) will you use?
- What resolution do you shoot in (4K, 6K, 8K)?
- Can you match specific cinematic standards (RAW, ProRes)?
- Do you offer FPV, thermal, or LiDAR options?
- Do you have redundancy in place (e.g. backup drones)?
Different jobs require different setups. For example, filming a real estate property might call for cinematic smoothness, while a fast-paced motorsport promo could benefit from FPV capabilities.
SkyMedia uses an extensive fleet of drones, including the DJI Inspire 3, custom FPV drones, and the Mavic 3 Cine Pro. We always bring backup systems and fly with full redundancy.
5. Have You Worked in This Industry Before?
Every industry has its quirks — and you want a drone operator who understands them.
For example:
- Real estate agents need fast turnaround times and drone pilots familiar with local council restrictions on flying near homes.
- Film and TV productions require drone teams that can work seamlessly with camera departments and follow call sheet schedules.
- Construction or civil projects often involve data mapping, GPS waypoints, or working near critical infrastructure.
Ask for examples of past work relevant to your project. Reputable operators will be happy to show their showreel or portfolio and explain what made each job a success.
You can view SkyMedia’s latest work on our showreel and on our Instagram.
6. Do You Understand CASA Regulations for This Type of Flight?
Certain jobs may require special CASA approvals, especially if your shoot is:
- In a populous area (urban settings, events, public spaces)
- Near airports or controlled airspace
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
- At night or in restricted locations
Make sure your operator knows what approvals are needed and how long they take to obtain. Some unscrupulous operators fly illegally and hope not to get caught — which can backfire on everyone involved.
SkyMedia is experienced in applying for CASA permissions and works proactively to ensure safe, legal operations across all our shoots.
7. What Are the Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Drone Operator?
Unfortunately, many individuals and businesses still hire drone operators based solely on price or convenience — without checking licensing or insurance.
This is especially risky in industries like real estate, where both the unlicensed operator and the real estate agency can be fined or held liable.
If your agency hires an unlicensed drone operator and their footage causes an incident, both you and your vendor could be liable.
You’re not just risking a CASA fine — you’re putting your clients at risk, too. Ask yourself: is saving a few hundred dollars worth the legal exposure?
SkyMedia Productions: Trusted, Licensed, Insured
SkyMedia Productions is a CASA-certified drone company with an impeccable safety record, a full suite of aerial filming services, and a reputation for creative excellence.
We work across:
- TV, film and commercials
- Real estate and property development
- Events and tourism
- Industrial, agricultural and survey jobs
All our pilots are licensed, all our operations are insured, and all our shoots are conducted legally under the guidelines set out by CASA.
Final Checklist: What to Ask Before You Book a Drone Operator
Before you engage a drone company, make sure you ask for the following:
✅ Operator’s Certificate (OC) — CASA licence for the business
✅ Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) — CASA licence for the pilot
✅ Public Liability Insurance Certificate
✅ Examples of previous work
✅ Details about their drone equipment
✅ Understanding of CASA approvals required for your job
If the operator hesitates on any of the above, it’s best to move on.
