How to update your CASA RPAS Operations Manual
For licenced drone operators in Australia
As a licenced drone operator, you may need to update your RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) Operations Manual from time to time. CASA may request the update to demonstrate awareness of operating your drone to current, professional standards.
In 2023, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) updated the RPAS Operations Manual. If you haven’t updated your manual since then, the following information and links may assist you with updating your manual.
If you need to complete a NOTAM (Notice to Airman) when preparing for a drone project, you may need your operations manual up-to-date for the NOTAM submission. Airservices Australia provide information about submitting a NOTAM online. See the Airservices Australia NOTAM Originator portal.
The following steps will help with the Operations Manual update. You’ll also need to submit your updated manual to CASA for approval.
Resources and steps to follow
Downloads
Sample operations manual (Word doc) from the CASA website.
Guide to the RPAS sample operations manual (Word doc) from the CASA website.
Steps
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Use CASA’s Sample Operations Manual as a guide to ensure your manual is comprehensive and structured correctly.
1. Save the document, renaming it to reflect your own business name
2. Update the document with your own information by following the next steps
3. Refer to CASA’s RPAS documentation guide to ensure all necessary components are covered.
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Review the latest CASA regulations by referring to Part 101 of CASR Unmanned aircraft and rockets to learn about rule changes. https://www.casa.gov.au/rules/regulatory-framework/casr/part-101-casr-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets
Refer to the CASA Manual of Standards (MOS) https://www.casa.gov.au/search-centre/manuals-standards to understand what is expected in your operations manual.
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Organisational overview: Ensure your organization's structure, roles, and responsibilities are accurately described.
Operational procedures: Update procedures for flight planning, risk management, and emergency response to reflect current best practices and compliance.
Aircraft and equipment: Include the latest details of any new drone models, equipment, or technology in use, including maintenance and calibration requirements.
Safety and risk management: Update safety protocols to reflect any new risks identified, changes in operations, or lessons learned from incidents.
Training and qualifications: Ensure your staff training programs, including currency requirements for remote pilots, are up to date.
Record keeping and reporting: Confirm your data management practices align with CASA’s reporting and documentation requirements.
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Update the manual according to the new requirements identified in the review phase.
Ensure that all new procedures, policies, and organizational changes are clearly documented.
Be specific about responsibilities, procedures, and documentation processes to meet CASA’s standards.
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Once the manual has been updated, submit it to CASA for review and approval if required, particularly if there have been significant changes to your operations or procedures.
Ensure that your submission includes all supporting documents, such as updated checklists, risk assessments, and other attachments required by CASA.
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Once approved, distribute the updated operations manual to all relevant personnel within your organization. Conduct training or briefings as needed to ensure that all staff are aware of and understand the updated procedures.
Ongoing review and updates
Periodically review and update the manual to reflect any new CASA regulations, operational changes, or technological advancements.
If unsure about your update, consider contacting CASA directly to ask for guidance. They have consultants available to contract to assist with updating your operating manual and NOTAMs.