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).

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