{"id":"F2025L00457","name":"CASA 20/25 – Operation of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets – Directions Instrument 2025","slug":"casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":106270,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2025L00457-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"CASA 20/25 – Operation of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets – Directions Instrument 2025","content":"Instrument number CASA 20/25\n\nI, steven JAMES campbell, Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards, a delegate of CASA, make this instrument under regulation 11.245 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.\n\n\\[Signed S. Campbell\\]\n\nSteven Campbell  \nExecutive Manager, National Operations & Standards\n\n27 March 2025\n\nCASA 20/25 – Operation of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets –Directions Instrument 2025\n\n1 Name\n\nThis instrument is CASA 20/25 – Operation of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Rockets – Directions Instrument 2025.\n\n2 Duration\n\nThe instrument:\n\n(a) commences on 1 April 2025; and\n\n(b) is repealed at the end of 31 March 2028; and\n\n(c) thereby ceases to be in force on and from 1 April 2028.\n\n> Note Paragraph (c) is for the purposes of paragraph 11.250(a) of CASR.\n\n3 Definitions\n\n(1) In this instrument:\n\nAct means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.\n\nCASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.\n\nrocket has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary and, for the purposes of this instrument, includes a firework projectile.\n\n> Note Rocket includes a firework rocket.\n\nsafety zone: see subsection 7(2).\n\nunmanned aircraft means any of the following:\n\n(a) a tethered, or any other kind of, balloon, or a kite;\n\n(b) an unmanned free balloon;\n\n(c) an RPA;\n\n(d) a model aircraft.\n\n(2) Subject to subsection (1), in this instrument, words and phrases have the same meaning as in Part 101 of CASR and the Act, unless the contrary intention appears.\n\n4 Application\n\nThis instrument applies, according to its terms, to the operation of unmanned aircraft and rockets, other than operations mentioned in paragraphs 101.005(3)(b) and (c) of CASR.\n\n> Note Paragraphs 101.005(3)(b) and (c) of CASR refer to certain indoor operations, as defined, and are not affected by this instrument.\n\n5 Directions relating to the operation of RPA or model aircraft higher than 400 ft AGL\n\n(1) A person controlling an RPA or a model aircraft must not operate the aircraft higher than 400 ft AGL.\n\n(2) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to the following:\n\n(a) the operation of an RPA or a model aircraft in accordance with:\n\n(i) an authorisation (however described) or exemption granted under CASR that permits operation of the aircraft higher than 400 ft AGL; or\n\n(ii) the approval of an approved area under regulation 101.030 of CASR;\n\n(b) the operation of an RPA by the holder of a remote pilot licence in accordance with the privileges and limitations associated with:\n\n(i) the licence; and\n\n(ii) the certification of the RPA operator that is conducting the operation;\n\n(c) the operation of a model aircraft in accordance with a written approval given by CASA for the purposes of this paragraph.\n\n6 Directions relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft or rockets over areas of public safety or emergency operations\n\n(1) A person controlling an unmanned aircraft or a rocket must not operate the unmanned aircraft or rocket over an area (the relevant area) where a fire, police, or other public safety or emergency operation (the operation) is being conducted.\n\n(2) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to the extent that the operation of the unmanned aircraft or rocket over the relevant area is approved, for the purposes of this subsection:\n\n(a) in writing by CASA; or\n\n(b) where necessary for the purposes of the operation — orally by the person in charge of the operation, provided that a record is made and retained containing appropriate details of the oral approval.\n\n7 Directions relating to the operation of RPA or model aircraft near people\n\n(1) A person controlling an RPA or a model aircraft must ensure that the aircraft is not operated in, or over, another person’s safety zone, unless the other person has duties essential to the control or navigation of the aircraft.\n\n(2) For subsection (1), the other person’s safety zone is the notional cylindrical volume of airspace around the person that:\n\n(a) rises from the ground or water surface (as applicable) that the person is on, or that the person is directly above; and\n\n(b) has a constant horizontal radius of 30 m from the person’s position.\n\n> Note For the safety purposes of this instrument, there is no ceiling to the safety zone.\n\n(3) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following:\n\n(a) the operation of an RPA or a model aircraft if the person holds an approval given by CASA for the purposes of this paragraph;\n\n(b) the operation of an RPA or a model aircraft in accordance with an authorisation (however called) or exemption granted under CASR that permits operation of the RPA or model aircraft less than 30 m from another person;\n\n(c) if:\n\n(i) the person is controlling an RPA that is an airship; and\n\n(ii) the airship approaches no closer to the second person than 10 m horizontally and 30 ft vertically.\n\n8 Directions relating to the operation of a single RPA or model aircraft\n\n(1) A person controlling an RPA or a model aircraft must only operate 1 aircraft at a time.\n\n(2) The direction in subsection (1) does not apply to the following:\n\n(a) the operation of a micro RPA or a model aircraft if the person holds an approval given by CASA for the purposes of this paragraph;\n\n(b) the operation of an RPA, other than a micro RPA, in accordance with an authorisation (however called) or an exemption granted under CASR, granted for the purposes of this paragraph.\n\n9 Directions relating to the operator of unmanned aircraft or rockets\n\nThe operator of an unmanned aircraft or a rocket must ensure that the person controlling the unmanned aircraft or rocket in an operation for the operator (the controller):\n\n(a) complies with each applicable direction in this instrument that applies to the controller; and\n\n(b) is familiar with, and follows, the operator’s approved practices and procedures designed to ensure such compliance.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument maintains the established scope of CASA's unmanned aircraft regulatory framework. It operates within the existing Part 101 CASR structure, references standard CASA approval mechanisms, and covers the same categories of aircraft (RPAs, model aircraft, balloons, kites, rockets) that have been subject to similar directions instruments since 2015. The three-year sunset clause and reissue format suggest this is a routine renewal rather than scope expansion."},"complexity_factors":["Short instrument: 9 sections covering discrete operational rules","Minimal defined terms: only 4 explicit definitions in section 3, plus incorporation by reference to Part 101 CASR and the Civil Aviation Act 1988","Simple conditional structure: each prohibition followed by a straightforward 'does not apply' exception list (subsections (2) or (3))","No nested exceptions: exceptions are flat lists without sub-exceptions or cross-referenced conditions","Single layer of delegation: made under one regulation (11.245 CASR) with clear authority chain","Limited cross-referencing: only references to CASR paragraphs 101.005(3)(b)-(c), regulation 101.030, and general dictionary meanings"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety rulebook sets operating limits for drones, model aircraft, balloons, kites and rockets in Australia for three years (Apr 2025–Mar 2028). It limits height, requires keeping a 30‑metre horizontal safety zone from bystanders, prevents flights over active emergency operations without approval, and generally allows one remotely piloted aircraft per controller.\n\nIt affects recreational and commercial drone users, rocket/balloon/kite operators and their employers — aiming to protect emergency services, crewed aircraft and public safety."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"This instrument supplements CASR Part 101 by imposing specific operational directions on unmanned aircraft and rockets (excluding certain indoor operations). It adds explicit limits (400 ft AGL cap for RPA/model aircraft — s.5), geographic prohibitions over active emergency/public‑safety operations unless approved (s.6), a 30 m personal safety zone (s.7), a single‑aircraft rule (s.8), and an operator supervisory duty (s.9). It is time‑limited (s.2) and therefore temporarily alters the regulatory constraints that apply to Part 101 operations (s.4)."},"complexity_factors":["Cross‑references to CASR Part 101 and the Civil Aviation Act (instrument definitions and application) — see s.3(2), s.4. Requires users to check multiple instruments to determine applicability.","Multiple exception pathways (CASA written approvals, CASR authorisations/exemptions, remote pilot licence privileges, operator certification) that change when directions apply — see s.5(2), s.6(2)(a), s.7(3)(a)–(b), s.8(2).","Oral approval permitted for emergency operations by person in charge, provided a record is made and retained — creates operational discretion and recordkeeping burden (s.6(2)(b)).","Spatial and altitude rules mix units and concepts (400 ft AGL cap; 30 m horizontal safety zone; 30 ft vertical for an airship exception) which may complicate compliance and enforcement (ss.5(1), 7(2)–(3)(c)(ii)).","Safety zone defined as a notional cylinder with 'no ceiling' for safety purposes (note to s.7(2)) — potential interpretive and operational uncertainty about high‑altitude interactions.","Operator duty to ensure controllers comply and to maintain approved practices and procedures creates ongoing compliance and supervisory obligations (s.9).","Inclusion of rockets (explicitly including firework projectiles) broadens practical coverage beyond typical UAS operations (s.3).","Time‑limited instrument (commences 1 Apr 2025; repeals 31 Mar 2028) introduces regulatory horizon and planning uncertainty for operators (s.2).","Instrument made by CASA delegate under reg 11.245 (header) — administrative implementation and enforcement will reflect delegated decision‑making."],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA directions instrument (1 Apr 2025–31 Mar 2028) imposes mandatory operating rules for certain unmanned aircraft and rockets covered by CASR Part 101 (excluding some indoor operations). It caps RPA and model aircraft at 400 ft AGL, bars flight over active emergency or public‑safety operations without approval, establishes a 30 m horizontal safety zone around people, limits controllers to one aircraft at a time, and requires operators to ensure controllers follow approved procedures. Exceptions are available by CASA approval, CASR authorisation, or specified licence privileges."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025","history":"/api/acts/casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/casa-20-25-operation-of-certain-unmanned-aircraft-and-rockets-directions-instrument-2025/documents"}}