Record Keeping Regulations for Operators
Commercial operators are required to maintain records of their drone activities to demonstrate adherence to drone safety regulations. These records are necessary for various types of operations and include the following details:
Keeping Records Requirement -
Applicable Operations:
Flying small (2-25 kg) and medium (25-150 kg) drones over owned land.
Operating drones under a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC).
Conducting test flights for drones less than 150 kg after manufacturing.
Excluded from Record Keeping:
Very small drones (2 kg or less).
Micro drones (250 g or less).
Drones categorized as model aircraft or for sport/recreation purposes.
Self-built or repaired drones falling within the excluded categories.
Presentation of Records:
Operators must be able to provide these records upon request, including when selling a drone.
Test Flight Log:
Keep for 3 years.
Record details of each test flight for certain operations specified in CASA instrument 63/21.
Information includes aircraft serial number, owner details, flight time, location, purpose, any incidents, and remote pilot's name.
Chief Remote Pilot Duty Records (MOS 10.03):
Keep for 7 years.
Records for ReOC holders, including operational data, safety assessments, risk plans, operational plans, training records, and qualifications of remote pilots.
RePL Training Course Records (MOS 10.03A):
Keep for 7 years after course completion.
Records of RePL training, including applicant details, course specifics, training outcomes, theory exam results, and flight test details.
Operational Release (MOS 10.04):
Keep for 7 years.
Information related to operational release, such as operation details, aircraft information, remote pilot details, flight mode, and approvals.
Operational Log (MOS 10.05):
Keep for 7 years.
Records paralleling operational release, including launch and landing sites, flight changes, equipment status, and flight segments.
Remote Pilot Log (MOS 10.06):
Keep for 7 years.
Accumulated flight time data, operation specifics, and simulation details.
Technical Log (MOS 10.07):
Keep for 7 years.
Information about the drone's technical aspects, maintenance schedule, performed maintenance, and equipment certification.
Records of Crew Member Training (MOS 10.08):
Keep for 7 years after departure.
Training records for personnel involved in RPAS operations safety.
Excluded Category Operators - Operational Log (MOS 10.10):
Keep for 3 years.
Records for small and medium excluded RPAs, including operation details, flight specifics, and remote pilot information.
Remote Pilot Log for Medium RPAs (MOS 10.11):
Keep for 3 years.
Records of medium RPA flight time, operation details, and RPA information.
Technical Log for Medium Excluded RPAs (MOS 10.12):
Keep for 7 years.
Technical information about medium excluded RPAs, including weight, flight time, maintenance, and work certification.
To fully understand the regulations, refer to CASA Part 101 Manual of Standards 2019 and applicable amendment instruments. These record keeping requirements ensure compliance and safety in drone operations, enabling operators to demonstrate their adherence to regulations and standards.
Courtesy of CASA