From asset inspections to emergency response, drones are a valuable tool for councils across NSW. But with increased use comes increased risk. And several common misconceptions are exposing councils to safety and compliance issues.
Here are five drone myths – and the reality behind them.
Myth 1: ‘If I can buy a drone, I can fly it for work’
Reality: Not quite.
In Australia, using a drone for any commercial or government purpose comes with legal obligations.
Depending on the type of operation, councils may require:
- A Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
- A Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC)
- Proper accreditation and registration through CASA
Even for internal council use, pilots must hold Remote Operator Accreditation and the aircraft must be registered with CASA.
Put simply, purchasing a drone is only the first step. You need to ensure the right people, approvals and systems are in place before operations begin.
Myth 2: ‘I can fly my drone anywhere I want’
Reality: Airspace rules apply everywhere.
Drone operations are subject to strict operating conditions – even in familiar or low-risk environments.
Restrictions apply around:
- Controlled airspace, including near airports
- Populous areas
- Emergency operations, such as bushfires
- People not directly involved in the operation
You must also:
- Consider local hazards
- Maintain at least 30 metres’ distance from people
- Avoid flying over people
- Review temporary restrictions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) before flying
Failing to complete these checks can lead to significant safety risks and penalties.
Myth 3: ‘Drones are just toys’
Reality: Not in the eyes of the law.
Even small drones can create serious consequences if they are not operated correctly.
They can:
- Cause injury or property damage
- Interfere with emergency services or other aircraft
- Breach privacy expectations within the community
That’s why CASA regulates drones as aircraft – and expects operators to manage them with the same level of care and responsibility.
For councils, that means drone operations should sit within broader risk management and governance processes, rather than being treated as informal or ad-hoc activities.
Myth 4: ‘We’re covered as long as we’re careful’
Reality: Compliance needs to be documented.
Safe operations are essential. But you also need to demonstrate that you have appropriate compliance processes in place.
This includes maintaining:
- Pre-flight risk assessments
- Pilot qualifications and currency records
- Maintenance and operational logs
- Incident reporting processes
Without proper documentation, even well-intentioned operations can expose your council to unnecessary liability and regulatory risk.
When it comes to good governance, just doing the right thing is not enough – you must be able to prove it.
Myth 5: ‘Drone compliance is too hard to manage’
Reality: It doesn’t have to be.
Managing drone operations across teams, locations and use cases can become complex, especially as programs expand. But that’s exactly why dedicated systems exist to simplify the process.
All Statewide Mutual members have access to AVCRM’s RPA Manager platform, which is designed to help you:
- Plan and approve flights
- Track pilot qualifications and currency
- Maintain compliance records
- Improve operational visibility and safety oversight
With the right systems, you can reduce administrative burden while strengthening compliance and risk management outcomes.
Take control of your drone operations
Whether your council is already using drones or planning to expand operations, having the right processes and tools can strengthen compliance and reduce operational risk.
Access your RPA Manager platform today to support safer drone use across your organisation.
Not sure where to start? Speak with your Statewide Mutual Regional Risk Manager or contact the AVCRM team directly.