Flying Drones and Crane Permits

Flying Drones

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), commonly known as Drones, continue to soar in popularity. It is important that users inform themselves on how and where they may operate a drone and the dangers of flying drones near an airport or airfield.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has developed rules and regulations strictly prohibiting unmanned aircraft being flown in a manner that creates a hazard to aircraft.

CASA-verified drone safety apps use location-based maps to show where you can and can't fly your drone according to aviation legislation.

Detailed information surrounding CASA’s regulations for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) usage can be found at www.casa.gov.au/drones

Dubbo Regional Airport management encourages the reporting of the illegal usage of drones in Dubbo and surrounds, which can be reported on CASA’s website www.casa.gov.au/about-us/contact-us/drone-complaints

RECREATIONAL USE

Due to safety concerns the recreational or sport use of drones is not permitted in or around Dubbo Regional Airport.

COMMERCIAL USE

There are certain situations, for commercial purposes only, where permission may be granted to operate a drone at or near Dubbo Regional Airport.

When flying a drone commercially, there are extra rules you must follow. You will also need to register your drone and get a licence or accreditation.

Drone use that is in breach of any regulation will be reported to CASA. If your drone becomes a hazard to other aircraft, you can be fined up to $37,901 and sent to jail for up to two years. More information on Penalties can be found at http://www.casa.gov.au/drones/drone-rules/enforcement-and-penalties

Crane Permits

Under the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations, any activity that infringes an airport's protected airspace is a Controlled Activity, which requires approval before being completed. 

Please email a completed Crane Permit Application Form (PDF 166.7KB) for approval to carry out a Controlled Activity to airport@dubbo.nsw.gov.au. 

Crane Permit Application assessments will take a minimum of three working days. Any crane operations that penetrate Dubbo Regional Airport’s Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) will require further assessment by Airservices Australia and CASA, in which case advance notice of 4-6 weeks is strongly recommended. To prevent any further delay in processing, please ensure the application form is completed accurately.