ReOC Frequently Asked Questions

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Get Your ReOC with DFH (Drones For Hire)

1. What is the difference between a ReOC and a RePL? Why do I need a ReOC?

• RePL (Remote Pilot Licence): A personal licence that allows you to fly drones commercially under someone else’s ReOC, or in limited excluded category operations. 

It is held by an individual and certifies that you’ve completed CASA‑approved training, including aeronautical theory, at least five hours of flight time, and a practical flight assessment.

• ReOC (Remote Operator’s Certificate): An certificate held by business or organization (including sole traders), it is issued by CASA that allows you (or your company) to operate drones commercially, supervise other RePL holders, and expand operational capabilities via CASA approvals (e.g., EVLOS, BVLOS, night flying, restricted airspace).
  
  

👉 Simply put:
RePL = your permission to fly the drone.
ReOC = your right to operate and supervise drone operations professionally.

To dive deeper into what’s required for a RePL in 2025 and how that differs from ReOC, check out this guide: RePL: Licensing for Drone Operations in Australia (2025 Update) (Drones For Hire).

2. Do I need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) or Type Rating before applying for a ReOC?

Yes. You must already hold a RePL, and we strongly recommend you to hold the Type rating you want before applying for a ReOC.

• Any Type Ratings (TRs) (e.g., DJI Agras T50/T100, heavy-lift drones) you want included on your ReOC must already be on your RePL.
  
  

• If you add TRs later, CASA requires a ReOC Variation (Form 101-02) with additional fees and processing. (We can help with that, inquire us for the price)

3. What information and paperwork are required for a ReOC application?

To start your application, you’ll need:

• ARN (Aviation Reference Number) and ID.

• Entity details (individual sole trader or company/ASIC extract).

• Ops scope (what you plan to do) and your aircraft list.

• Completed CASA Form 101-06, DFH intake form, and supporting documents.

4. What do I need to apply for a ReOC?

In addition to the paperwork, you’ll need to:

• Decide if you’re applying as an individual or a company.

• Be willing to go through an interview with a CASA Delegate.

• Prepare a mission pack (Job Safety Assessment, Risk Assessment, Flight Authorisation).
  
  

DFH provides intake forms, templates, and coaching to make this smoother. Steps to prepare a mission pack and the interview will be sent to you after enrolment.

5. How does the ReOC application process work with DFH?

Here’s the workflow:

1. You choose Fast-Track or Lightweight package.
   
   

2. DFH sends you an intake form + checklist.
   
   

3. You complete CASA Form 101-06 and supply docs.
   
   

4. DFH packages and submits to our Delegate.
   
   

5. Delegate issues custom manual, scenario, and booking link.
   
   

6. You complete the scenario & mission pack, and book a date for an interview with the delegate (online).
   
   

7. Interview with Delegate → Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) if needed → fix & resubmit.
   
   

8. Delegate lodges with CASA → CASA issues ReOC.
   
   

6. How long does it take to obtain a ReOC?

The exact timeframe depends on CASA’s workload and how quickly you return your documents and amendments, but with DFH’s packaging and Delegate pathway, most applicants receive their ReOC in 2–3 weeks on average. Faster turnarounds are possible if you are ready and responsive.

Typical timeline once all documents are submitted:

• Time to first contact / pre-interview call
  As soon as we receive your registration, we send you the initial info pack. You’ll need to return two key documents from that email. Once we have everything, allow about 1 week for us to review your application and request amendments if needed.
  
  

• Pre-interview to scenario issue
  The Delegate will send you your assessment scenario 4 days before your interview.
  
  

• Average wait to an interview slot
  Usually 7–10 days to secure an interview with the Delegate once you’re ready.
  
  

• From interview to CASA issue
  After your interview (and closure of any Knowledge Deficiency Report, if issued), the Delegate makes a recommendation to CASA. CASA generally issues the ReOC within 3–5 business days.
  
  

👉 Overall: If you’re organised and contact the Delegate quickly, a ReOC can typically be issued in 2–3 weeks.

7. How much does it cost to get a ReOC? What’s the difference between Fast-Track and Lightweight packages?

• Fast-Track ($2,380): Full support, 2 × 60-min coaching calls, DFH packaging, custom Operations Manual, email support until interview, access to DFH resource kit.
  
  

• Lightweight ($1,980): One 30-min consult, basic packaging, Delegate-provided manual, access to resource kit (ongoing 1:1 help billed separately). 

👉 Choose Fast-Track if you want speed, certainty, and coaching. Choose Lightweight if you’re confident and independent.

8. What is in the ReOC interview?

The Delegate will test your knowledge of:

• Your Operations Manual (how your organisation runs safely) → the manual will be provided to you after enrolment.

• Risk assessments (JSA/RA) and flight authorisation forms.

• CASA regulatory knowledge (Part 101, airspace, safety rules).

• Scenario-based planning (showing how you would manage a mission).

9. What is the assessment process?

• Submit application docs → DFH/Delegate check for completeness.

• Receive scenario + prepare mission pack.

• Attend an interview (online or phone).

• If gaps are found, Delegate issues a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) → you address it.

• Delegate submits documents to CASA

• Wait for CASA approval → ReOC issued.

10. Does a ReOC need to be renewed, and what is the process?

• An initial ReOC is valid for 12 months.

• Renewals are then valid for up to 3 years.

• The nominated CEO can renew the ReOC online up to 3 months before expiry, but only if there are no changes to the organisation or its operations.

Important: You cannot renew an expired ReOC. If it lapses, you must apply for a completely new certificate, pay the fees again, and complete the full application assessment.

• Renewal involves updating your Ops Manual (if needed), ensuring personnel details are current, and resubmitting through CASA.
  
  

• DFH offers consultancy services for renewals, Type Rating additions, area approvals, and other ReOC Variations (Form 101-02).
  
  

11. What is a change to a ReOC — CASA Form 101-02 (Variation)

CASA splits changes into significant and insignificant:

Significant Changes

You must submit these through myCASA or using the appropriate form. They typically result in a variation or re‑issue of the ReOC. Examples include:

• New key personnel (e.g., CRP, CEO, Chief RePL Instructor),

• Adding Type Ratings (new aircraft types),

• Expanding operational scope (e.g., BVLOS, night ops),

• Major revisions to your Operations Manual or safety procedures.

Use CASA Form 101‑02: “Application RPA Operators Certificate (ReOC) – initial issue/variation/renewal”
👉 [Download the form here]

Non-Significant Changes

These are minor edits that do not affect operational safety or scope. Examples include:

• Correcting spelling or formatting errors,

• Updating serial numbers,

• Tweaks to scheduling or safety protocols that enhance safety,

• Adding a new drone within the already approved scope,

These changes are non-chargeable and typically processed quickly. You can notify CASA via the myCASA portal under “Manage Certificates” → select your ReOC → “Notify CASA of a non-significant change.”
👉 [Download the form here]

👉 Ready to apply? DFH takes care of packaging, manuals, and interview prep so you can get your ReOC faster and with confidence.

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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.

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