Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) Cost
It costs $1,750 to earn a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) through Toll Uncrewed Systems.
This amount covers all the classes and practical flight training you need to qualify as a commercial drone pilot.
At the end of your RePL course, we can issue your licence, and you’ll be allowed to fly drones on a commercial basis!
Our RePL course combines theoretical work and practical flight training. We provide a minimum of 5 hours of hands-on flight training, as well as coursework that covers:
- Drone law and systems
- Meteorology
- Human factors
- Mission planning
- Aviation English Language Proficiency Check
When You Need a Remote Pilot Licence
You need to hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) if you plan to fly drones on a commercial basis. You don’t need to hold a RePL if you only fly drones for fun.
If you don’t hold a RePL, you’ll need to comply with the standard operating conditions set out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The rules state that you must:
- Fly your drone below a maximum height of 120m
- Keep your drone 30m away from other people at all times
- Keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times
- Stay 5.5 kilometres away from controlled airports (for drones weighing more than 250g)
- Avoid creating a hazard to other people, property and aircraft (such as by flying over crowds)
- Only operate one drone at a time
- Respect the personal privacy of other people and properties
- Fly only during the day, and not through cloud or fog
You can learn more about the drone rules on CASA’s website.
Drone Excluded Categories
You almost always need a RePL to fly a drone on a commercial basis. However, to reduce licence requirements, CASA has defined several excluded categories that allow you to fly without a licence.
Pilots are permitted to fly a drone for commercial purposes if:
- The drone weighs less than 2kg
- You are flying a drone that weighs between 2kg and 25kg over your own land, provided you do not accept payment for the work
When flying without a RePL, you are expected to comply with the operating conditions outlined above.
You will need to earn your licence and operate under a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) if you want to fly outside CASA’s standard operating conditions.
What’s included in the RePL training package
Your RePL training includes many detailed learning components.
Theory modules: law, meteorology, human factors
The theoretical part builds the foundations of your training. You'll study crucial subjects that include:
- Aviation legislation and CASA regulations for drones
- Simple meteorology concepts to check safe flying conditions
- Human factors that affect drone operation decisions
- Risk assessment and management procedures
- Flight planning and operational choices
These modules teach you how to fly and show you the legal ways to operate in Australian airspace.
Practical flight hours and equipment use
Hands-on flight experience plays a vital role. Every RePL course has:
- A minimum of 5 hours of practical flight training with qualified instructors
- Training drones you can use throughout your course
- Practise with various flight manoeuvres and emergency procedures
- Real-life scenario training in different settings
- Learning about pre-flight checks and maintenance basics
Assessment and CASA certification process
Your training ends with a full assessment that includes:
- Theory examination on all the topics covered
- Practical flight assessment to show your piloting skills
- Full course score card and report
- Documentation work for your CASA certification
- Checks on your identity and eligibility
Access to training materials and support
You'll get these resources during your course and often after:
- Detailed study materials and reference guides
- Help from instructors who answer your questions
- Career guidance and industry networking opportunities
Toll Uncrewed RePL courses give you more than just a licence – they provide a complete skill set for professional drone operations.
Not sure what drone course you need?
Call one of our training consultants who can help you determine what you need. We understand it can be confusing and our training team are ready to assist!
Different Types of Remote Pilot Licence
There is some confusion about drone pilot licences in Australia. There is only one kind of licence: the Remote Pilot Licence.
Earning your RePL allows you to fly most types of drones for commercial purposes. If you are doing specialty work (such as operating medium-sized drones), you can upgrade your licence with new endorsements.
The confusion about the different types of Remote Pilot Licence comes from the Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC).
An ReOC does not allow you to pilot a drone. Rather, a ReOC is held by the business entity that offers commercial drone services. If you’re working as a drone pilot for someone else’s business, then you’ll need to hold an RePL and fly under their ReOC.
ReOC & RePL Licence Costs
You’ll need to earn both your RePL and ReOC if you plan to operate as a business that offers commercial drone services.
For example, if you want to provide your skills on a freelance basis, you’ll need a licence and ReOC.
It costs $2,200+GST to earn your Remote Operator’s Certificate through Toll Uncrewed Systems. While you aren’t required to work with a training organisation when applying for an ReOC, professional consultation makes the process much simpler.
To earn your ReOC, you’ll need to pay a fee, submit organisational documentation and pass an interview process.
This can be a costly exercise if your ReOC is not granted. Using a consulting service helps to speed up the process and ensures that your ReOC is granted the first time around.
Qualify as a Commercial Drone Pilot with Toll Uncrewed!
Getting a Remote Pilot Licence marks your first big step into professional drone operation in Australia. Working face-to-face with our world-class instructors gives you a higher success rate, and there’s no pre-work required. We’ll help you get flying sooner with the perfect mix of practical and theory training.
Sign up for our Brisbane RePL Training Course to launch your career today.