[LINK] Next thing, pizza?

[Ivan Trundle]

Search for the Dominos pizza drone delivery video for more inspiration...


ICAO and CASA are unable to regulate this space easily - microUAV use is growing so fast that regulation is lagging.

Project OS 11/20 within CASA is reviewing guidelines and regulations for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), with assistance from ICAO and others.

Look up CASR Part 101 for more information - rulings on the use of balloons and kites, rockets, UAVs, model aircraft, and fireworks. There are current but dated Advisory Circulars for model aircraft, and separate ACs for UAVs.

Outside of controlled airspace (such as in the city of Sydney at or near street level), it's the wild west for now. 

I doubt if you'll see start-ups worrying about having approved UAV flight manuals or supervising UAV controllers within a dedicated UAV control station. Not to mention fail-safe design mechanisms.

CAR 1998 Part 21 allows for flights over populous areas (and under 400 feet above ground level) under certain and rather strict conditions. There is a degree of overlap with model aircraft rules at present, mainly relating to design and structural standards of the UAV. Using a UAV for commercial benefit (such as deliveries) means that it is no longer classified as a 'model aircraft', so there's lots to consider here. 

Drones will increasingly come under the spotlight as people invent new ways to use them, and restrictions are inevitable.

iT