Open Category UAS

Introduction

The Open category is intended for small Uncrewed Aircraft (UA) weighing less than 25kg that can operate within Authority-defined Standard Operating Conditions. UAS operations under the Open category do not require an explicit Authority approval. Command/Group can authorise UAS operations under the Open category provided every Standard Operating Condition has been met.

Command/Group must be able to provide the Authority with a list of all UAS they have authorised to operate under Open category.

What We Do

For the Open category, the weight and operating limitations intentionally mirror those of CASA albeit with moderations made by the Authority to account for the Defence context. This promotes a common approach to small UAS regulation across the Australian aerospace sector.

How Do I Apply?

No application to the Authority to operate under Open category is necessary. The relevant Command/Group can authorise UAS operations under the Open category provided every Standard Operating Condition has been met.

I Want To Learn More…

If you want to learn more about Open category UAS operations, please consult the following resources, noting that some Specific category UAS resources listed below may still be of assistance to Open category UAS users:
 

Support

If you have questions about this topic please contact dasa.uas@defence.gov.au

For DASR queries please submit a DASR Query Form (DQF) Form 110