How to apply for a CASA special approval (Form 101-09) for RPAS operations

This step-by-step guide shows ReOC holders how to apply for special approvals when your job needs anything outside the basic Part 101 rules (e.g. controlled aerodrome, >400 ft AGL, BVLOS). It also lists what to prepare before you fill in CASA Form 101-09 and how to keep your application clean and fast.

Here is the link to the CASA Form 101-09.

---

1) Know what you’re asking for (tick all that apply)

On Form 101-09 you’ll select one or more of:

Area Approvals (CASR 101.030)

• Above 400 ft AGL in controlled airspace
  
  

• Above 400 ft AGL in non-controlled airspace
  
  

• Within 3 NM of a controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Within 3 NM of a military controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Above 400 ft AGL within 3 NM of a controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Over a movement area of a controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Over an approach/departure path of a runway at a controlled aerodrome

RPA Permissions (CASR 101.080)

• Over a movement area of a non-controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Above 400 ft AGL within 3 NM of a non-controlled aerodrome

Visual line-of-sight (CASR 101.029)

• BVLOS (beyond visual line-of-sight)
  
  

Tip: If your job is near a towered airport and above 400 ft AGL, you will usually need to tick both the aerodrome proximity item and the above 400 ft item.

---

2) Pre-application checks & evidence pack

Prepare these before you open 101-09:

Airspace & approvals

• Use OpenSky (or another approved planning tool) to see whether your site is inside CTR/CTA, near an aerodrome, or within restricted/prohibited areas.
  
  

• Verify with Aviation charts (VTC/VNC/PCA) and the ERSA entry for the nearest aerodrome. Access free resources from Airservices Australia.
  
  

Mission planning documents (attach to 101-09):

• 

  Updated RPAS operations manual

• 

  Updated RPAS operational procedure (library)

• 

  Filled Flight Authorisation (from your Ops Manual)

• 

  Filled JSA (Job Safety Assessment) with a map/screenshot showing site hazards, eg. TOL sites, observers, exclusion & safe zones, signage etc.

• 

  Filled Risk Assessment (RA) created for this specific mission (not a generic “tick-and-flick”)

• 

  Site coordinates/ Maps of the operational area (lat/long in aviation format) (KMZ file) 

• 

  Aeronautical radio qualifications (AROC) is attached

• 

  Permissions (landowner, council, facility manager) if required

• 

  Letter of Agreement (LOA) for Defence oversighted aerodromes 

• 

  BVLOS Concept of Operations document (CONOPS) is attached (if applicable)
  
  

If near/inside controlled aerodrome (CTR)

• VHF radio capability and ATC coordination plan (who/when to call, standing instructions)
  
  

• Be ready to publish/arrange a NOTAM if your approval/ATC requires it (many approvals impose a NOTAM lead time). Keep a NAIPS login handy for briefings and any NOTAM coordination requirements.
  
  

If the site is DJI-geofenced

• Complete a DJI GeoZone unlock for the aircraft/RC that will be used:
  How to unlock the DJI geozones

Record-keeping

Ensure your records system:

• Complies with AIP & Part 101 MOS;

• Can show evidence of planning on audit;

• Retains records 7 years and has a backup (or you must cease operations while down).

© 2025 Drones For Hire. All rights reserved.

This article may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author or publisher, except in the case of brief quotations used for review or scholarly purposes.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, readers should consult with qualified experts or local authorities before making decisions related to agricultural drone use, regulations, or investments.

<< Back to Articles