🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all known regulation around recreational drone use in the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra, ACT). Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the Australia Drone Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) follows the common rules of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). If you're looking for the unmanned aerial vehicle rules of Australia then click here.
As for a shortcut, no matter where in Australian Capital Territory (ACT), you should fly:
at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground.
away from private property, vehicles in movement, people or large crowds (including over beaches, stadiums or parks) & respect individuals' privacy.
at least 5.5 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only during permitting weather & within your sight at all times.
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first aid.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
🛫 To get to Tasmania, there is a high chance you will have to catch a plane, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar are pretty sweet with drones but would recommend you carry your batteries in fire proof bags for more safety.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
This blog post will dig dive into Australian Capital Territory's specific locations where you can fly a drone safely. We will also uncover some secret spots where to fly within the biggest cities of the state & explain all specific permissions needed when flying above Australian Capital Territory's restricted areas.
But before anything, let's start with a little drone video to show how beautiful this place of the world is (time to get some popcorn mate! 🍿🎬)
So where can I fly my drone in Australian Capital Territory?
A short answer will be anywhere away from airports and national parks (unless authorisation). But thankfully there is a bit more info than this, thanks the "Can I fly there" app map is made by CASA in cooperation with dronecomplier and kept up to date with punctual events so its probably good to keep this link handy with you.
✅ It is also available in the Google Play Store & Apple Store for mobile use (makes sense as we don't many of you flying with a desktop in their car trunk today 😜) Most main cities of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are under strict regulations due to a heavy air traffic above or near them.
Drone Fly Map Canberra
🚨 In Canberra, the airport is located only 8 kms from the city's CBD 😲 What a blast to get there (you can walk it from the Canberra centre to the airport under 1h45 but what a nightmare for flying your drone there...
🚨 Important notes:
Canberra is the capital city of Australia which is where you wil find the Parliament, embassies from many countries, department houses, the federal police college.. & many more. All these buildings should never be flown above without permission or authorisation.
there is a forbidden airspace above Bullen Range Nature Reserve because of Canberra's deep space tracking communication station located nearby.
✅ Sweet spots to fly your UAV around Canberra:
South of the city, between Kambah & Banks suburbs
West of the city from Koombs.
✅ Most other spots of Australian Capital Territory are either within the Canberra restricted airspace or small enough that you will generally just need to worry people and private land nearby. In any case, if you see another aircraft, you should land immediately and give way.
Flying a drone in ACT national parks & reserves
🚨 We didn't find exact information for flying your unmanned aerial vehicle in Namadgi National Park (the only one in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)). We have contacted them mid March to figure out what are the exact rules here and will update this post soon.
✅ Unlike all other Australian states, the Australian Capital Territory doesn't have any coastline so there are no further rules for marine reserves or sea mammals for example.
Drone & Privacy Laws in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
CASA is pretty straightforward and transparent on this topic; they won't investigate any privacy concerns or claims as their job is restricted to aviation safety. The primary body in charge of privacy laws in ACT is the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner which in turn advises you to first complain to the organisation or agency causing you issues with a 30 days delay before escalating to them - find out more.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Australia's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Australian Capital Territory! Have fun and safe flight! #capital #territory #australiancapitalterritory #australian #regulation #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Australia Drone Forum
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
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