Frequently asked Questions

RePL FAQs

  • Obtaining your Remote Pilots License (RePL) is essential for anyone serious about a professional career in RPAS operations. It not only showcases your professionalism and credibility but also ensures adherence to high safety and operational standards. As the RPAS market expands across industries like agriculture, environmental management, construction and filmmaking, an RePL positions you competitively, opening up diverse career opportunities. Moreover, insurance is more readily obtainable for licensed operators, and many Organisations will only contract with licensed professionals. While not strictly required for some non complex operations, having an RePL is a necessity for meeting industry expectations and securing premium opportunities.

  • On successful completion of our Initial RePL Course, CASA will issue you with a sub 25kg Multirotor RePL with a condition that limits operations of RPA with a gross weight of less than 7 kg. From there you can choose to complete the upgrade course on a Multirotor RPA that has a gross weight of more than 7 kg.

  • The Remote Pilot License (RePL) licences individual Remote operators to fly RPAS commercially, emphasising piloting skills, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) is for Commercial Operators to ensure they meet mandatory operational and safety standards outside of Standard Operating Conditions. Often, RePL holders will contract their services to existing ReOC holders for their specialised skills , or transition to obtaining their ReOC to scale up their operations, allowing them to manage a fleet of RPAS and multiple pilots under a unified operational framework. This progression enables broader commercial opportunities and streamlined compliance, making it a strategic step for expanding RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) businesses.

  • Students are often curious about using their own drones for training in our courses. Unfortunately, CASA's compliance requirements do not permit this. To ensure the highest safety and regulatory standards, only approved and certified drones provided by The Drone Studio are allowed. This policy ensures consistent training quality, adherence to safety protocols, and compliance with CASA regulations, providing all students with a standardised and secure learning environment.

  • The Aeronautical Operators Certificate is a standalone qualification essential for pilots wishing to fly in controlled airspace under a ReOC. We offer this comprehensive 1-day course, providing in-depth training on aviation communication procedures, equipment and safety protocols. For students who have completed our RePL training, we offer this course at a significant discount. This qualification enhances your professional credentials, enabling you to operate in more complex airspace environments, thus broadening your commercial opportunities and ensuring full regulatory compliance. It's a valuable addition for those looking to advance their careers in the expanding drone industry

  • One of the common questions we receive is about the learning resources provided. We offer a comprehensive student manual that serves both as a guide during training sessions and as a study aid for pre-reading and exam preparation. Additionally, students gain access to our Learning Portal, which features a curated digital library of important documents and publications, including resources from CASA and AirServices Australia. The portal also allows students to view presenter slides online and complete the theory exam with instant assessment results. This ensures a thorough understanding of the material and continuous support throughout the learning process.

  • No prior experience is required to enroll in our Remote Pilot License (RePL) course. One of the course completion requirements is to log 5 hours of flight time, which we cover during the practical training sessions. While there is no minimum age requirement to obtain your RePL, the theoretical content is designed for individuals who have completed a minimum of year 9 of schooling. At The Drone Studio, we accept students as young as 14 years old (with parental permission) for our RePL course.

Aerial Services FAQs

  • The Drone Studio offers a variety of aerial mapping and modeling services, including orthomosaic maps, 3D terrain models, and volumetric measurements. These maps and models are highly accurate and can be used for land surveying, construction planning, agricultural monitoring, and environmental assessment. Our state-of-the-art drones capture high-resolution images, which are then processed using advanced software to produce detailed, reliable data. This service helps clients make informed decisions, streamline their workflows, and enhance project outcomes.

  • Our structural and building inspections utilize high-resolution drone imaging to assess the condition of various structures, including bridges, towers, and commercial buildings. We capture detailed photos and videos, allowing for close-up examination of hard-to-reach areas without the need for scaffolding or cranes. Our team then compiles comprehensive reports highlighting any issues or areas of concern, complete with visual evidence. This method is efficient, safe, and cost-effective, providing our clients with thorough inspection results to maintain and manage their assets.

  • Using drones for inspections offers several key benefits: enhanced safety by reducing the need for manual inspections at heights, increased efficiency as drones can quickly cover large areas, and cost savings by minimizing the need for expensive equipment like scaffolding. Additionally, drones provide high-resolution imagery that allows for detailed analysis and documentation of structures. This approach ensures thorough and accurate inspections, helping clients identify and address issues promptly, ultimately extending the lifespan of their assets and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

  • At The Drone Studio, we combine advanced drone technology with experienced, creative professionals to deliver exceptional videography and photography. Our drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of capturing stunning visuals from unique perspectives. Our team works closely with clients to understand their vision and objectives, ensuring that the final product meets their expectations. We also utilize professional editing software to enhance and refine the footage, delivering polished and compelling visual content suitable for marketing, real estate, events, and more.

  • Absolutely! The Drone Studio prides itself on offering bespoke aerial RPA services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you require specific types of aerial maps, detailed structural inspections, or creative videography, we work closely with you to understand your project goals and develop a customized plan. Our flexible approach ensures that we deliver precise and relevant solutions, regardless of the project's complexity or scale. We are committed to providing high-quality, personalised services that achieve your desired outcomes.

  • Our RPA services benefit a wide range of industries, including construction, real estate, agriculture, environmental management, and media production. Construction companies use our aerial maps and models for site planning and monitoring progress. Real estate professionals leverage our high-quality photography and videography to showcase properties. Agricultural clients benefit from detailed crop monitoring and analysis. Environmental agencies utilise our services for land surveying and habitat assessment. Additionally, our creative videography and photography services cater to marketing agencies and event planners, helping them create captivating visual content.

  • Setting up a drone team in your businesdepends on your specific operational needs. At The Drone Studio, we offer comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process. Here's how we can help:

    1. Assessment of Operational Needs: We begin by understanding your business requirements and how drones can enhance your operations.

    2. Training Requirements: We manage all your training needs, ensuring your team is fully equipped with the skills and knowledge required for safe and efficient drone operations. This includes obtaining necessary certifications like the Remote Pilot License (RePL).

    3. RPA Operational Management Platform: For compliance and safety, it's crucial to have a robust RPA operational management platform. We provide expert advice on the best options available and assist in setting up and training your team to use these platforms effectively. This ensures that your drone operations comply with regulations and maintain the highest safety standards.

    By partnering with The Drone Studio, you can establish a proficient and compliant drone team that enhances your Organisation's operational capabilities

General Terms of Service

  • For our Commercial RPAS services, we invoice clients prior to the delivery of any service. Full payment is required upon receipt of the invoice to secure the booking and schedule the service. Payment can be made via bank transfer or through our online payment portal. Once payment is received, we will proceed with the planning and execution of the requested services. Please ensure timely payment to avoid any delays in service delivery. For cancellations of Commercial RPAS services, clients must notify us at least 48 hours before the scheduled service date. Cancellations made within this timeframe will receive a full refund minus any non-refundable expenses incurred. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled service date will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the total service cost. This policy ensures that we can manage our resources effectively and accommodate other clients.

  • To secure a place in one of our RePL training courses, we require a 25% deposit to be paid via our online store at the time of booking. This deposit includes the cost of the student manual and is non-refundable. As we restrict our RePL Course to a maximum of 6 participants, the remaining balance is due prior to the commencement of the course. Failure to pay the remaining balance on time may result in the forfeiture of your place in the course. If you need to cancel your participation in an RePL training course, please notify us at least 7 days before the course start date. Cancellations made within this timeframe will receive a refund of any payments made, minus the non-refundable 25% deposit. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the course start date will not be eligible for a refund. This policy helps us manage course logistics and accommodate other students.

  • For late payments on invoices for Commercial RPAS services, a late fee of 5% of the total invoice amount will be applied for each week the payment is overdue. For RePL training courses, failure to pay the remaining balance before the course start date may result in the forfeiture of your place in the course and any payments made. Timely payment is crucial to ensure smooth scheduling and delivery of our services.

  • Weather conditions can significantly impact the safety and feasibility of our drone operations and training sessions. For Commercial RPAS projects, if inclement weather is forecasted, we will proactively communicate with you to reschedule the service to the next available suitable date. Our priority is to ensure the safety of our team and the integrity of the project.

    For RePL practical training sessions, if weather conditions are not conducive to safe flying, we will notify you as soon as possible and arrange for the session to be rescheduled. We understand that your time is valuable, and we will work to find a suitable alternative date that fits your schedule. Safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding and flexibility in these situations.

  • At The Drone Studio, we prioritise safety and professionalism in all our operations and training services, as unmanned aviation professionals. While we take every precaution to ensure incidents do not occur, we understand that accidents can happen. For your peace of mind, we carry comprehensive public liability insurance coverage of $20,000,000. This substantial coverage reflects our commitment to protecting our clients and their assets, ensuring that any unforeseen incidents are adequately covered. Our insurance demonstrates our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and responsibility, providing you with confidence and security when using our services.

  • Yes, you can reschedule your RePL training course, but you must notify us at least 7 days before the course start date. Rescheduling requests made within this timeframe will be accommodated based on availability and may incur a rescheduling fee. Rescheduling requests made less than 7 days before the course start date will be treated as a cancellation and subject to our cancellation policy. Certain emergency circumstances may require unavoidable late cancellation requests on compassionate grounds, without rescheduling fees or cancellation incurred and these will be considered fair and reasonably on the circumstances. This allows us to effectively manage course logistics and ensure availability for other students.