If you’ve spent any time flying drones in Australia — or just talking to people who do — you’ve probably heard a few “facts” that aren’t quite true. Some of them are based on old rules. Others are just plain wrong. The truth is, CASA (Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority) has clear and evolving regulations, but the rumour mill often overshadows reality.

Whether you’re flying for fun, filming for clients, or thinking about becoming a licensed drone operator, it pays to know what’s real and what’s myth. So let’s dive into five of the most common misconceptions about legal drone flying in Australia — and what you should know instead.

Myth 1: “I don’t need to register my drone if I’m just flying for fun.”

This used to be true, but not anymore. Since 2020, CASA requires all drones over 250g to be registered — even if you're flying recreationally. That includes popular models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro (which skirts under the weight) but excludes most larger drones used for content creation or FPV freestyle.

Registration is quick, inexpensive (free for recreational flyers), and tied to your aviation reference number (ARN). If you're flying an unregistered drone that should be registered, you could face fines — even if you're just cruising over a paddock.

Myth 2: “It’s illegal to fly over people — always.”

This is one of the most repeated myths — and one that gets thrown around a lot in forums and Facebook groups. While the standard CASA rules do prohibit flying directly over people, there are official pathways that allow this under certain conditions.

For example, certified commercial operators can apply for an Operations Over or Near People (OONP) exeption to conduct flights over or near people safely. This is especially relevant for filming events, construction sites, or public locations where crowds are unavoidable. The process is complex, but it’s entirely legal — and many production companies rely on this kind of approval for their work.

So while the default answer is “no,” with proper planning and documentation, the real answer is “yes, under the right conditions.”

Myth 3: “If I stay under 120 metres, I can fly anywhere I want.”

This one is dangerously misleading. While 120 metres is the maximum altitude for most drone flights in Australia, it’s just one of several airspace rules. Even at low altitudes, you can’t fly near controlled airspace, airports, helicopter pads, or other restricted areas — including national parks, prisons, and emergency scenes.

For example, if you’re filming near Sydney Harbour, you’ll be inside some of the most restricted airspace in the country. Without proper approvals, even flying at 30 metres could land you in legal trouble. That’s why it’s essential to check apps like CASA’s “Drone Fly” or third-party tools like OpenSky or AirMap before every flight.

Myth 4: “Private property means private rules.”

Another common misconception is that if you’re flying on or from private land — like your backyard or a friend’s farm — you’re exempt from CASA regulations. Not true. CASA's authority covers all Australian airspace, regardless of land ownership. If your drone leaves the ground, it’s part of the national airspace system.

This means even if you have full permission from the landowner, you still need to follow CASA rules: no flying over people, no night flights without authorisation, no flying near restricted zones, etc. The only way to gain more operational flexibility is by getting licensed and operating under an OC with specific authorisations.

Myth 5: “Once you have your RePL, you can do anything.”

The Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) is a great first step if you want to fly drones commercially in Australia. But it’s not a magic ticket to unlimited airspace. To fly for clients, you'll also need to work under an Operator’s Certificate (OC) — either your own or someone else's. On top of that, special operations like flying at night, flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), or flying over people each require their own separate approvals.

For example, if you want to legally fly over people at an event or in a public space, you’ll need to submit a risk assessment and apply for an OONP — which is not covered by your RePL alone. This distinction is where many new operators get caught out.

Bonus Myth: “It’s all too hard.”

A lot of hobbyists give up on the idea of commercial work or more advanced flying because they assume the paperwork is impossible. In reality, CASA’s systems are improving every year, and the drone industry in Australia is more supportive and structured than ever before. There are clear steps you can take to become licensed, gain approvals, and fly professionally — you just need the right guidance and a bit of patience.

Companies like Flying Glass regularly assist with complex shoots in controlled areas, applying for OONPs and other authorisations as part of their day-to-day work. If you’re passionate and committed, there’s a path for you too.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Australia’s drone laws might seem overwhelming at first, but once you strip away the myths, it becomes a lot more manageable. If you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed — don’t guess. Take a few minutes to check CASA’s rules, or speak to a certified operator.

The sky isn’t the limit — but it is regulated. Fly smart, fly safe, and you’ll find plenty of opportunity out there, no matter your level of experience.

Drone technology has democratised cinematography. What once required a helicopter and a six-figure budget can now be attempted with a sub-$2K rig and some courage. But while the tools are accessible, the results often fall short — especially in indie films and DIY productions.

As a Sydney Drone Operator working on everything from network TV series to big-screen productions, we’ve seen (and fixed) just about every common drone filming mistake. If you're an indie filmmaker looking to level up your aerial footage, here are five key things that go wrong — and what to do about them.

1. Thinking a Drone Equals a Good Shot

Just because your drone is in the air doesn’t mean you’re capturing anything useful. One of the biggest mistakes we see? Random, meandering flyovers that add little to the narrative. In cinematic storytelling, every shot must have intent — including aerials.

✅ Fix:

Plan each drone shot as part of the edit. Storyboard it. Know your start and end frame. Think like a Steadicam operator in the sky.

2. Underestimating How Hard It Is to Fly Smoothly

We get it. You’ve logged a few hours on your Mavic in the park and think you’ve got this. But flying smoothly — in a controlled arc, with proper speed ramps, minimal gimbal jitter, and a locked horizon — is much harder than it looks.

✅ Fix:

Use tripod or cine mode, and practice with dual-operator controls if available. If your shot requires tight movement through foreground or syncing with talent/action, hire someone who does this daily.

3. Choosing the Wrong Time of Day

So many DIY drone shots are ruined before takeoff — simply by flying at midday under harsh Aussie sun. You get flat, blown-out highlights and muddy colours. Magic Hour isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity.

✅ Fix:

Fly early morning or late afternoon. Use apps like Sun Surveyor or Helios to plan your light. And if you must shoot midday, ND filters are non-negotiable.

4. Shooting for Social, Not for Screen

There’s a big difference between a 15-second vertical drone shot for Instagram and a cinematic wide shot for a feature film. One is fast and flashy. The other needs pacing, intention, and clarity of subject.

✅ Fix:

Frame for the story, not for the spectacle. Don’t be afraid to slow it down. The best drone shots often sit in the edit longer than most handhelds.

5. Flying Without Permissions or Proper Risk Assessments

You know that shot over the crowd at the beach? Or the drone zipping down a city street at sunset? You might pull it off — once. But when a producer wants to license your footage, or worse, when CASA comes knocking, things unravel fast.

✅ Fix:

Understand the rules. If you’re operating in controlled airspace, near people, or commercially, you’ll likely need a RePL and an Operator's Certificate. Or better yet — work with a team that already has that covered.

(Like us. We’re fully certified and fly legally in controlled and restricted zones across Australia — often where others can’t.)

Bonus Tip: The Best Shot Is Often the One You Don’t Fly

Sometimes restraint is the mark of a professional. Don’t default to the drone. Use it when it elevates the emotion or advances the narrative — not just because you brought it.

Final Thoughts

Drones are a powerful storytelling tool — but only in skilled hands. If you're a filmmaker wanting your next project to look polished, cinematic, and legal, take the time to plan your aerials. And when you're ready to bring in the big guns, connect with a Sydney Drone Operator who lives and breathes this stuff.

Because great drone cinematography isn't about flying — it's about filmmaking.