Remote piloted aircrafts

Remote Pilot Aircraft (Drones)

Commercial Purposes

The operations of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for commercial purposes (including educational, research or marketing purposes), on behalf of the University or on University property, must be done in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1988 (CASA) (Part 101) and University Policy 'Remote Pilot Aircraft Policy'.
Summarised below are the steps to be followed if you propose to operate a RPA for commercial purposes.

Approval Process

Applications for the use of an RPA by La Trobe must be made to Infrastructure and Operations. To apply complete the Internal (RPA) Flight Operations Application Form and submit to Infrastructure and Operations via ioservicedesk@latrobe.edu.au no later than 10 business days prior to the proposed flight operation.

Infrastructure and Operations will assess each application against CASA regulations, University Policy and other potential risks.

A record of the flight must be submitted to Infrastructure and Operations within five business days of each flight. To complete this step, the Flight Operation Record Keeping Template must be completed and submitted to ioservicedesk@latrobe.edu.au

Third Party Arrangements

A third party, equipped with a Remote Pilot Licence, can be engaged to operate the RPA. The third party RPA operator remains responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and insurance arrangements, with engagement and operational terms formalised under contract with the University.
To ensure full visibility and to facilitate notifications to relevant stakeholders, LTU personnel who engage a third party to operate a RPA must complete the Third Party Flight Operations Record Keeping form and forward to Infrastructure and Operations via ioservicedesk@latrobe.edu.au no later than 10 business days prior to the proposed flight operation.

Recreational Purposes

Using an RPA on campus for recreational purposes is permitted however operators must adhere to CASA regulations and will be policed by campus security.

CASA Safety Rules

The CASA website www.droneflyer.com.au explains the key safety rules for recreational drone flyers. A free mobile app, “Can I Fly There?” is also available to download. The app helps recreational and sub-2kg drone operators fly safely by providing practical information about where they can and cant operate.

Safe Operating Conditions for RPA <2kg
Safe Operating Conditions for RPA's >2kg

Complaints

An individual may complain to the University’s Privacy Officer about the use of an RPA on University property if the individual believes the act is an interference with the privacy of that individual.
Further assistance and advice is available from the Infrastructure and Operations Service Desk.