Flying drones at Adelaide University

Drones are used at the University for a variety of different applications, from academic research, infrastructure maintenance through to marketing videography and teaching experiences for our students.

All drone operations relating to the University and its campuses must be overseen by the URAF team to ensure compliance with the relevant policies and regulations.

External operators

An external operator includes but is not limited to: external operators contracted by the University; drone operators working for non-University clients; members of the public flying on campus, including inside and outside of business hours.

Adelaide University campuses are busy, complex places. Flying drones in these spaces requires suitable planning and safety precautions. If you are an external operator, ensure you contact the URAF prior to your planned activities to ensure you are complying with University and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.

Failure to comply with our requirements will result in an investigation which will be forwarded to the CASA.

To obtain approval to fly from or above University campuses, operators must hold a Remote Pilot Lience (RePL) and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC). An Operator's Accreditation is not sufficient.

Please contact us as early as possible to have the best chance of obtaining an approval in time. We recommend a minimum of two weeks, with significantly more time for more complex operations, such as involving populated areas of the campus.

To apply for an approval

Note: For all approved flights by the URAF, it remains the pilot’s sole responsibility to meet all relevant laws and regulations as outlined by CASA, the URAF, and Adelaide University when operating their aircraft.