Published on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 1:35:46 PM
March 2026 - Click here to view this email in your web browser.
How high can you fly your drone?
You can fly your drone up to 120 metres above ground level. This height gives you plenty of space to enjoy your drone safely. Staying below 120 m keeps you well clear of crewed aircraft.
Before you take off, pick a clear open space where you've got room to move.
Keep an eye on your altitude while you fly so you stay within the limit and out of the path of crewed aircraft.
Before you fly, check a CASA-verified drone safety app. It helps you check the area and confirm it's safe to fly.
Learn more.
Flying near non-controlled airport
Non-controlled airports do not have an air traffic control tower. Many airports in Australia fall into this category.
You can fly your drone near these airports when no crewed aircraft are operating.
If crewed aircraft operate at the airport, do not fly your drone:
- over the movement area, including runways, taxiways and aprons
- in the approach or departure path
- within 5.5 km radius of the runway.
We measure this distance from the runway measurement point, usually near the middle of the runway.
Aircraft can appear suddenly, including helicopters, agricultural aircraft and ultralights. If you see or hear an aircraft, land your drone straight away.
Drones under 250 g can fly within 5.5 km. Keep your drone below 45 m, stay clear of approach and departure paths, avoid the movement area and do not create a hazard for other aircraft.
Use a CASA-verified drone safety app to check for nearby airports and helicopter landing sites.
Temporary restrictions in place for Sydney
A temporary restricted area (TRA) will be in place across Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas from 2:45 pm - 3:15 pm (AEDT) on Saturday 21 March. There will be military flypasts and aerobatic manoeuvres for the International Fleet Review.
The restriction covers Sydney Harbour and surrounding areas, including the areas between Gladesville Bridge, Chatswood, Wentworth Park and Sydney Heads.
This means you must not fly a drone or model aircraft in this area.
Drone operators are also reminded that Sydney Harbour is a permanently restricted airspace. You must not fly here without CASA approval.
NSW Police will be monitoring the airspace during the event.
Airspace restrictions can change at any time. It is your responsibility to make sure that you do not fly in areas where restrictions are in place.
Always check a CASA-verified drone safety app for the latest information before you fly.
An easier way to check what you can pack
If you travel with your drone or any of your gear, there's now a simpler way to check what you can pack before you fly.
We're moving to one improved search tool for dangerous goods advice. From 30 June 2026, the Can I pack that? web and mobile apps will close. You can now use the updated online search tool on the Pack Right. Safe Flight. website.
If you've been using the Can I pack that? apps switch to the new website before 30 June 2026. Make sure you update any links, guides or procedures that still point to the old apps. After this date, they won't be available.
Read more.
Drone flyer diary: Ricky Connelly
Agricultural drones are becoming a practical and safer tool for farmers managing time-critical work. Ricky Connelly and his team at Velterra Drone provide spraying, seeding and mapping services that help growers work faster, lower risks and operate more precisely in challenging conditions.
Read more
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