Oceania
Papua New Guinea
CASA PNG — Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 (RPAS)
Papua New Guinea regulates drones through Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 of CASA PNG. Operations up to 10 kg under standard conditions (VLOS, altitude ceiling, distance from people) fall under the 'open category' with no licence needed beyond 3 nautical miles from an aerodrome; above 10 kg or near aerodromes specific authorisations are required.
120 m (400 ft) above ground level under standard operating conditions (rule 102.55). Exceeding this altitude requires authorisation from the CASA PNG Director.
Rule 102.53 refers to the general aircraft registration requirements under rule 47.51 of the PNG Civil Aviation Rules for anyone operating a remotely piloted aircraft.
Not required for 'open category' operations (up to 10 kg, standard conditions) beyond 3 nautical miles from an aerodrome. Within 3 nautical miles of an aerodrome, a pilot qualification or a qualification in the use of aeronautical charts and airspace is required (rule 102.103). Above 10 kg, or for commercial/non-recreational use, an unmanned aircraft operator authorisation or certificate (UAOA/UAOC) is required.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Minimum distance of 30 m (100 ft) from people not involved in the operation. Flying over populated areas is prohibited unless it is a 'shielded operation'. Prohibited in controlled airspace without air traffic control authorisation, in prohibited or restricted areas, and within 3 nautical miles of a controlled aerodrome's reference point without the required authorisations. Flight is allowed only within visual line of sight (VLOS) and during daylight hours.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Data verified from the full text of Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certification and Operation), Amendment 2 of 2 November 2021, which consolidated and replaced the former Part 101 rules. No mandatory insurance requirement could be verified in the text consulted.
Verify officially before flying
Source: CASA PNG — Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea
Last checked: 2026-08
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Papua New Guinea, the official reference remains CASA PNG — Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea. Rule 102.53 refers to the general aircraft registration requirements under rule 47.51 of the PNG Civil Aviation Rules for anyone operating a remotely piloted aircraft.
How this usually works
Here the requirement depends on factors like the drone's weight, distance from people, or use case (recreational vs. commercial). The note above describes the most common case: if your situation is different, check the official source to see exactly which scenario applies to you before flying. The exam and certificate are handled by CASA PNG — Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea. Not required for 'open category' operations (up to 10 kg, standard conditions) beyond 3 nautical miles from an aerodrome. Within 3 nautical miles of an aerodrome, a pilot qualification or a qualification in the use of aeronautical charts and airspace is required (rule 102.103). Above 10 kg, or for commercial/non-recreational use, an unmanned aircraft operator authorisation or certificate (UAOA/UAOC) is required.
Other countries in Oceania
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.