The individual pilot’s qualification from CASA. Certifies that the operator has the knowledge and practical skills to fly commercially in Australian airspace.
The business-level certification from CASA. Covers the organisation’s ability to conduct drone operations safely under their own Standard Operating Procedures.
The highest-tier certification in Australian commercial drone operations. Authorises complex operations including restricted airspace and beyond visual line of sight flights.
If you’re a business owner looking to commission aerial content — whether for a property campaign, a construction update, or a brand video — you’ve probably heard terms like REPL, AROC, and REOC mentioned by operators. Not all of them can explain what they mean.
That’s a problem, because as the person commissioning the work, the credentials your drone operator carries have real consequences for your business: from insurance liability to the legality of the footage itself.
This post breaks down each credential in plain English, explains what’s at stake, and gives you a simple checklist to use before you book any aerial work.
The Regulatory Landscape
Commercial drone operations in Australia are governed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). CASA sets the rules around who can fly drones for commercial purposes, in what locations, under what conditions, and with what safety standards in place.
For any work described as aerial photography for commercial purposes — including real estate, events, construction, and branded content — operators must hold the appropriate credentials. Hobbyist or recreational licences do not cover commercial work, regardless of the drone size or location.
There are three credentials that matter for professional commercial operators.
REPL — Remote Pilot Licence
A REPL (Remote Pilot Licence) is the individual operator’s qualification. It is issued by CASA and demonstrates that the pilot has the knowledge and practical skills to operate a drone safely and legally in commercial airspace.
Think of it as the commercial driver’s licence for drone operators. Without a REPL, a pilot cannot legally perform aerial work for hire or reward in Australia.
A REPL holder has completed formal training, passed written and flight tests, and demonstrated understanding of airspace rules, weather, emergency procedures, and radio communications.
AROC — Aerial Work Certificate
An AROC (Aerial Work Certificate) is held by the operator or business conducting the commercial operation. It is issued by CASA and covers the organisation’s ability to conduct drone operations safely under their own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Where the REPL certifies the pilot, the AROC certifies the business. An AROC operator has submitted documentation to CASA covering equipment, risk management, maintenance procedures, training standards, and incident reporting.
REOC — Remote Operator Certificate
A REOC (Remote Operator Certificate) is the highest standard of commercial drone operation certification in Australia. It allows operators to conduct complex operations, including flights in more restricted airspace, beyond visual line of sight, and in conditions that would otherwise require special approvals from CASA.
A REOC-certified business has been through a more rigorous CASA approval process and is authorised to operate in ways that standard AROC operators are not.
Why all three together matter: When an operator holds a REPL, operates under an AROC, and is REOC-certified, it signals a business that has invested in compliance, safety, and professional standards at every level — the pilot, the organisation, and the operational scope. For complex or high-profile aerial work, all three credentials together mean you’re working with an operator fully equipped for the job.
The Risks of Unlicensed Aerial Work
This is where it becomes your problem, not just the operator’s.
Using footage captured by an unlicensed drone operator can: invalidate the commercial insurance on the production; make your brand liable if an incident occurs on your property or shoot location; result in footage that cannot legally be used for broadcast or advertising; and expose the commissioning business to CASA enforcement action. “I didn’t know they weren’t licensed” is not a recognised defence.
CASA’s rules apply to anyone who benefits commercially from drone footage — including the business that commissions and uses it. The accountability does not sit solely with the operator.
What to Ask Before Booking
Here is a five-point checklist to run through before you confirm any aerial operator for commercial work.
- Can you provide your REPL certificate number? (Verify against CASA’s register if needed)
- Is your business AROC or REOC certified? (Request documentation)
- Do you carry public liability insurance specifically for aerial operations?
- Are you familiar with the airspace restrictions at my location? (Some shoots require prior CASA approval)
- Do you have a risk assessment process for weather delays and site-specific hazards?
Legitimate operators answer these without hesitation. If an operator is vague or resistant, that tells you something important before you’ve committed any budget.
Why This Matters for Your Brand Content
Aerial content is increasingly used not just for real estate, but for brand campaigns, product launches, social media content, and event coverage. The quality of the footage, the safety of the shoot, and the legality of the use all depend on who is behind the controls.
moCreates holds REPL, AROC, and REOC credentials — and we operate under comprehensive public liability insurance for all aerial work. We cover content shoots for brands, construction monitoring, events, and real estate across Australia. If you want to know exactly what we’re licensed to do before you book, just ask. We’ll show you.
Interested in Licensed Aerial Content for Your Brand?
Whether it’s a property campaign, a brand video, or ongoing construction monitoring, we’d love to hear about your project.
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