How to Get Your RePL Licence in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to operate drones commercially in Australia, obtaining a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is essential. Issued under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), this licence certifies that you have the knowledge and skills to fly drones safely and legally in various industries.

Whether you're aiming to work in real estate, construction, surveying, or agriculture, the RePL is your ticket to accessing professional opportunities in the fast-growing drone economy.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Step 1: Understand What a RePL Is

The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is a formal certification that permits you to operate drones weighing over 2kg for commercial purposes. It also ensures you're trained in aviation safety, airspace regulations, and drone flight techniques.

RePL training is conducted by CASA-certified institutions like Ace Aviation, which offers both theory and practical components tailored to real-world applications.

Step 2: Choose a CASA-Approved Training Provider

Not all drone courses are created equal. To earn a valid RePL, you must enrol in a CASA-accredited training provider. Ace Aviation, for example, offers nationwide courses including Sydney RePL training, which combines hands-on flight instruction with comprehensive classroom learning.

Look for a provider that offers:

Flexible delivery formats (online theory + in-person flight training)

AROC (Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate) included

CASA-certified instructors

Career support or business pathways post-training

Step 3: Select the Right Drone Category

When applying for a RePL, you'll need to choose the appropriate weight category for the type of drone you intend to operate. The most common categories are:

Sub 7kg: Suitable for general commercial use (photography, mapping, etc.)

Sub 25kg: Often used in specialised industries like agriculture or infrastructure

Your chosen course will focus on the regulations and flight control relevant to your selected drone weight class.

Step 4: Complete the RePL Course

A typical RePL course includes:

Theory Training: Covers air law, risk management, meteorology, and operational procedures.

Practical Flight Training: Hands-on experience flying drones under the supervision of licensed instructors.

Flight Assessment: Demonstrate your competency to safely pilot a drone according to CASA standards.

Ace Aviation offers flexible course delivery, allowing students to study theory online and attend a single flight day for practical assessment — ideal for those balancing work or study commitments.

Step 5: Apply for Your Licence

Once you’ve successfully completed the course and passed your flight assessment, the training organisation will submit your certification details to CASA on your behalf. CASA will then process your licence application and issue your official RePL.

There’s typically no need for a separate application or exam outside of your training course — it’s all streamlined through your provider.

Step 6: Explore Career or Business Pathways

With your RePL in hand, you’re legally permitted to fly commercially. You can now:

Work under an organisation’s existing Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC)

Pursue freelance drone projects

Apply for roles in real estate, media, agriculture, and more

If you plan to operate your own drone business, you may need to apply for a ReOC as well — and some providers like Ace Aviation offer Fast-Track ReOC support to help you get started.

Final Thoughts

Earning your RePL is a valuable investment in your career, especially as industries across Australia increasingly rely on drone technology. By completing your training through a trusted, CASA-approved provider like Ace Aviation, you can confidently step into the world of commercial drone operation.

If you're based in NSW and ready to get started, check out Ace Aviation’s Sydney RePL training course for flexible, expert-led certification that gets you job-ready fast.