Drone Usage

Drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) laws vary depending on whether you are flying for fun (recreationally), for sport, or commercially. It is important users inform themselves on how and where they may operate a drone, whether they need to be licensed and the dangers of flying drones near airports.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has developed rules and regulations strictly prohibiting unmanned aircraft being flown in a manner that creates a hazard to aircraft. Drones cannot be flown within 5.5km of any controlled airport, including Gold Coast Airport, if it weighs more than 250 grams. 

Detailed information surrounding CASA’s regulations for RPAS usage is available.

Learn more about these regulations. 

Due to safety concerns, the flying of drones, UAVs or RPASs for recreation or sport is not permitted at or near Gold Coast Airport.

There are certain situations, for commercial purposes only, where permission may be granted to operate a drone at or near Gold Coast Airport.

When flying for any form of economic gain, you must be licensed and certified as an operator, or work for a certified operator. CASA-verified drone safety applications are the easiest way to find information about no-fly zones and restricted airspace. 

Learn more about CASA-verified drone safety applications.  

The drone safety apps and web applications provide customised location-based information with easy-to-use maps about where you can and cannot fly your drone in accordance with aviation legislation. For more information visit the CASA website for commercial drone operations.

If you believe you've seen someone breaking the rules or engaging in unsafe or inappropriate drone usage, you can report it to CASA.

Learn more about reporting incidents to CASA.