Remote Pilot Licencing Alignment

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Aviation

Remote Pilot Licencing Alignment

To address the growing need for skilled, qualified, and licensed drone operators, this project reviewed and updated the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) to include current industry practices and more closely align the qualification with the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL).

Anticipated completion 20 October 2026
About the project

Project Completion

Skills Ministers have endorsed the Certificate III in Aviation Remote Piloting and associated training products, enabling workforce development and high-quality training outcomes in Australia’s growing drone industry. 

As drone technology continues to expand across a wide range of sectors, demand for qualified and licensed remote pilots is increasing. To meet this need, the qualification has been updated to better reflect current industry practices and align with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) licensing requirements. 

The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), issued by CASA, is required for commercial drone operations in Australia. The updated training products help create a clearer pathway from training to industry compliance. 

What was delivered

A Technical Committee of subject matter experts, in consultation with industry stakeholders, updated the following training products: 

  • Certificate III in Aviation Remote Piloting 
  • 1 Skill Set 
  • 18 Units of Competency. 

To strengthen alignment with CASA licensing requirements, six existing units were streamlined and replaced with four new units. 

Skills Ministers endorsed the revised ​Aviation​ Training Package (Release 12.0) on ​12 October 2026​. 

The endorsed Training Package products are now available on training.gov.au National Training Register – AVI Aviation Training Package. 

What does this mean for industry

The updated training products are designed to support the evolving needs of the drone sector and improve training quality and consistency. 

Better alignment between the qualification and CASA requirements provides a more streamlined pathway to licensing while helping employers access a skilled, compliant workforce. This approach supports safe, efficient drone operations and ensures pilots are prepared to meet both industry and regulatory expectations. 

What does this mean for Registered Training Organisations?

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) delivering aviation training will need to review and update their training and assessment resources to align with the revised qualification and related training products. 

To support implementation, the updated Companion Volume Implementation Guide (CVIG) includes: 

  • Mapping information outlining changes to qualifications, skill sets and units 
  • Guidance for trainers, assessors and RTOs 
  • Information about the updated training package products. 

These resources are designed to support a smooth transition to the revised training products. 

Information Webinar 

Stakeholders will be invited to join an information webinar during the next few weeks, where ISA will explain the changes to training products and provide implementation advice.