📅 August 2026: Proposed Drone Operations Above 400 Feet
CASA has proposed allowing certain drone operations above the normal 400-foot limit near tall structures such as buildings, towers, wind turbines and cliffs. Eligible drones could operate up to 100 feet above the highest point of a structure while remaining within 120 metres of it.
The proposal also covers active mining excavations, where altitude could be measured from the nearest pit edge rather than the pit floor. Pilot qualifications, radio monitoring, airspace restrictions and all other safety requirements would still apply.
These changes could make inspections of tall buildings, communications towers, wind turbines and mine sites more efficient by reducing repeated approval applications. The proposal is not yet law, and existing CASA rules and approvals continue to apply until any changes are formally introduced.
Proposed CASA changes could support more efficient inspections of tall structures and mining excavations.