Oceania
Australia
CASA — Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101
Australia has a well-documented system. An important note: since 2023 mandatory registration for recreational drones above 250 g has been suspended (the pause is still active in 2026); a free online accreditation remains mandatory for all recreational pilots, however.
Suspended for recreational use since 2023 (pause still active); always mandatory for commercial use, even under 250 g.
Free online accreditation (CASA Drone Safety Accreditation) mandatory for all recreational pilots, regardless of the drone's weight.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Minimum distance 30 m from people; visual line of sight mandatory; ban near airports and controlled airspace without authorization. Use a CASA-verified app (e.g. Ok2Fly) to check zones.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Last checked: 2026-08
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Even without a formal requirement, it's still worth keeping a note of the drone's details (serial number, owner) somewhere accessible: proving ownership and responsibility is useful in case of an inspection or incident, regardless of what the law requires. For Australia, the official reference remains Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), also via Ok2Fly. Suspended for recreational use since 2023 (pause still active); always mandatory for commercial use, even under 250 g.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), also via Ok2Fly. Free online accreditation (CASA Drone Safety Accreditation) mandatory for all recreational pilots, regardless of the drone's weight.
Other countries in Oceania
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.