Getting my ReOC

Many government and infrastructure projects list a ReOC as a requirement. This is how the process went, from the first conversation to CASA sign-off.

Most commercial drone work in the region eventually leads to the same question: does the operator hold a ReOC? Many government and infrastructure projects list it as a requirement, and it sits behind a lot of the work in controlled airspace around Cairns. Having it in hand answers that question before it is asked.

The ReOC (Remote Operator’s Certificate) is issued by CASA. This is how the process went for me.

Starting with the right help

I engaged Uncrewed Approvals at the start. They guided me through the process from the first conversation, and each step arrived in the order it was needed. Working with them was easy from beginning to end. Questions got clear answers, and I always knew what came next.

The operations manual

Uncrewed Approvals organised my operations manual. The manual is the backbone of a ReOC application. It sets out how the operation runs, and it is the document CASA works from. Having it assembled properly meant I could spend my time on the content.

The CASA interview

CASA conducted an interview with me. The questions covered the rules and regulations that apply to my operations, and the conversation confirmed that I understood them. It was comfortable, and the questions made me think through how the rules apply in practice. I came away with a clearer picture of my responsibilities as an operator, which is useful for every job I take on.

The scenario

I then completed a scenario and submitted it. It gave me the chance to apply what the manual and the interview had covered to a practical situation.

Sign-off

With everything in place, the paperwork went to CASA and was signed off. The whole process felt seamless, largely because each stage had been prepared properly before the next one began.

What it means for clients

For a project team, a ReOC means the operator has been assessed by the regulator against a documented set of procedures. When a tender asks for it, the answer is yes. When a site sits inside controlled airspace, the groundwork is already done.

If you are thinking about the same path, I’d recommend speaking with Uncrewed Approvals early. If you have a project that needs aerial documentation, get in touch!