The Difference Between ReOC & RePL
The ReOC is a mandatory certification for businesses or organisations, including sole traders, intending to operate drones commercially. This certificate signifies that the entity has met rigorous safety and operational standards set by the aviation authority.
On the flip side, the RePL is a personal qualification required by individual drone pilots. It demonstrates that the pilot has the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate drones in a commercial setting under a ReOC holder’s umbrella.
Essentially, while the ReOC is about the organisation’s capability to manage drone operations safely, the RePL focuses on the individual pilot’s competence in handling the drones.
Read more on each qualification below.
Remote Pilots Licence (RePL)
A Remote Pilots Licence (RePL) is a licence issued by CASA that allows pilots to fly drones on a commercial basis. You need to hold an RePL to:
- Fly drones on behalf of a business (or an individual) that holds a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)
- Fly drones that weigh more than 25kg over your own land without a specific rating (e.g. farmers using agriculture drones over their own land)
The standard RePL allows you to operate drones weighing up to 7kg, but you are required to operate under an ReOC while piloting a drone weighing more than 2kg. You can apply for additional endorsements to fly drones up to 25kg, up to 150 kg, or more than 150kg.
RePL courses are delivered as a blend of theory-based learning and hands-on flight training. This ensures you have the skills and knowledge you need to safely operate drones as part of your job.
Not every drone pilot needs to hold an RePL. You don’t need to hold an RePL to:
- Fly for fun
- Fly an excluded category drone for commercial or business purposes
Upgrade Your Licence with RePL Sub 25kg Training
Obtaining an RePL is the first step in becoming a commercial drone pilot. With your RePL, you are allowed to operate drones up to 7kg (you must operate under an ReOC if the drone weighs more than 2kg) under CASA’s standard operating conditions. This allows you to fly a broad range of missions, but it does limit your capacity as a drone pilot.
You can expand your career by upgrading your licence with new endorsements. Additional endorsements allow you to fly night missions, operate advanced systems, and fly drones up to 25kg or above.
RePL sub 25kg endorsement is the next step in your training. Many industry-standard drones are substantially heavier than 7kg, especially once they’re equipped with advanced sensors and payloads.
Obtaining your sub 25kg endorsement provides the training you need to safely operate these types of drone systems, which can make your resume much more appealing to an employer.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC)
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) is a certificate that allows individuals and businesses to operate as a commercial drone service provider. An ReOC is not the same as holding an RePL – you may need to hold both qualifications in some cases.
Earning your ReOC involves developing operational manuals and procedures that will govern the way you work. This can be an involved process, so most businesses choose to work with a drone training provider. Toll Uncrewed Systems can help you develop the appropriate documentation, establish record keeping procedures, and prepare your Chief Pilot for their interview with CASA.
Holding an ReOC also allows you or your business to offer drone services that fall outside of CASA’s standard operating conditions.
This can greatly expand your capabilities as a drone service provider, especially if you want to operate beyond visual line of sight, at night, or in remote and crowded locations.
Take Your Career to New Heights with ReOC and RePL Certifications at Toll Uncrewed Systems!
Drones are an emerging technology in Australia. The licensing requirements are evolving to meet the changing needs of the industry. This can make it tricky to know which qualifications you need to kick-start your career.
If you’re unsure where to begin, get in touch with Toll Uncrewed Systems. Our instructors have decades of aviation training experience, so we can deliver courses that can help you reach your goals.
Our course catalogue includes RePL training and ReOC consultations that can prepare you and your business for a bright future. Contact us today to enrol in a course, or speak to our training consultants if you need help choosing the right training products for your career!