How to Get Your RePL Training in Queensland: A CASA-Approved Guide

Anyone can become a certified drone pilot in Australia, whatever their age.

Anyone can become a certified drone pilot in Australia, whatever their age.

RePL training opens doors to exciting mining, agriculture, surveying, and engineering careers. The 5-day complete course costs $1,750 and equips you with practical experience and knowledge. You can start a new career or add to your professional skills.

An RePL course Brisbane trainer have helped over 1,200 remote pilots throughout Australia and established the standard pathway for commercial drone operations. We'll show you how to operate drones weighing more than 25 kg safely and legally. Queensland's RePL certification process is straightforward, and we'll help you master every step.

Understanding RePL Requirements

A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is your official certification to operate drones commercially in Australia. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approves RePL training courses that include both theoretical knowledge and practical flight skills.

You need an RePL in two cases. First, you must have it to work as a remote pilot for an organisation with a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC). Second, you need it to fly drones weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg over your own land.

The RePL course follows strict training standards to deliver quality instruction. CASA-approved training providers must cover:

  • Complete aeronautical knowledge standards
  • Practical competency assessments
  • Theoretical examinations
  • Flight testing protocols
  • Administrative requirements

RePL training organisations must also have qualified staff members. The Chief RePL Instructor needs proper qualifications, such as a pilot instructor rating, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or a tertiary teaching qualification. This approach ensures students learn from experienced professionals who know aviation principles and teaching methods.

The course structure uses real-life scenarios to provide hands-on experience. Over 1,200 remote pilots have completed their training across Australia, and the RePL course has become the standard for professional drone operation training in the past decade.

Choosing Your Training Path

Queensland has multiple CASA-approved training organisations that provide RePL training. Aviation Australia collaborates with top aviation training providers to deliver high-quality aviation courses.

Students must complete two key components in the RePL course. They need at least 15 hours of live instruction through online or classroom sessions over two days. The practical training takes two additional days at a training venue. Students take their theory exam and start their flight training during this time.

Students can choose the best training format for them. A five-day in-person programme covers everything from theory to practical work. Another option combines online theory classes with hands-on practical sessions.

Training costs change depending on the provider and format you choose. To cite an instance, the RePL course with Radio Operator's Certificate costs AUD 3,593.13 at some schools. Other providers have packages starting at AUD 2,591.64.

Every training provider's instructors must have one of these qualifications:

  • A pilot instructor rating under CASR Part 61
  • A Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
  • A tertiary teaching qualification recognised by state or territory government

Students must log at least five hours of flight time during practical training. This gives them real experience with their chosen aircraft category.

Steps to Get Licenced

Getting your RePL licence from CASA follows a clear path. Here's what you need to do to get certified:

  1. Get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from the myCASA portal. You'll need this unique ID before you start training.
  2. You can check CASA's database to find an approved RePL training provider in Queensland. These providers offer training that meets all CASA standards.
  3. Pass the RePL training course exam to complete the theory part. The test has 90 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer in 90 minutes with an 85% pass mark.
  4. Become skilled at flying your chosen aircraft category. You must log at least 5 hours of flight time under standard operating conditions.

Pilots who have previous aviation experience can get credit for their qualifications. This works if you have:

  • Finished theory parts of any Part 61 flight crew licence
  • Got equivalent military qualifications
  • Earned an air traffic control licence

Once you complete all requirements, your training provider will send your RePL application to CASA. After approval, you can download your digital certificate from the myCASA portal.

The process helps you build both theory knowledge and hands-on skills in drone operations. This comprehensive approach keeps safety standards high throughout the industry.

Conclusion

Getting your RePL certification in Queensland provides a clear path to professional drone operation. The complete five-day course gives you the theoretical knowledge and hands-on flight experience you need for commercial drone operations.

Qualified instructors deliver CASA-approved training that meets all safety and operational standards. Recognition of prior aviation experience makes the certification process more accessible to qualified professionals.

You can work for a ReOC holder or operate larger drones over private land with RePL certification. This certification is your gateway to legal commercial drone operations. The standardised training combines practical flight experience and clear licencing steps to help you join Australia's growing community of certified remote pilots.

Safety and compliance are crucial in drone operations. You can start your experience toward RePL certification and unlock exciting opportunities in industries of all types.

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