These changes will take effect from:
- 10 April 2024
- 10 July 2024.
What this means
Changes starting on 10 April 2024:
- deferral of the need for all RePL instructors to get the prescribed training qualifications, with a plan to simplify the requirements further from 10 July 2024
- other minor amendments to correct errors, make definitions clearer and explain the rules for remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and model aircraft operating:
- in the no-fly zone of controlled aerodromes
- near non-controlled aerodromes.
Changes starting on 10 July 2024:
- establishment of the Chief Remote Pilot Licence Instructor (Chief RePL Instructor or CRI) position in RePL training organisations
- the automatic appointment of the Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) of a RePL training organisation to the new CRI role
- simplified qualification requirements for all other RePL instructors.
Transition arrangements
Transition arrangements are in place to help affected RePL training organisations meet the minimum requirements in the timeframe.
Between 10 July 2024 and 10 January 2025, either the:
- CRI must get (or demonstrate they already hold) the required qualifications, licence ratings and experience
- RePL training organisations must nominate another person to be the CRI, who has the required qualifications, licence ratings and experience.
All RePL training organisations must update their documented practices and procedures to show the new CRI role and responsibilities by 10 January 2025.
Regulatory service fees:
- no fees apply if the CRP automatically appointed to the CRI position remains in the role
- the CRI assessment fee will be waived for RePL training organisations who nominate another person to be the CRI by 10 October 2024
- any CRI nomination submitted after 10 October 2024 must pay a CRI assessment fee of $623 to check the suitability of the nominated CRI (extra fees may also apply to review updated documented practices and procedures).
Help is on the way
In the coming weeks, we will offer RePL training organisation helpful tips, including:
- steps to nominate a person to be the CRI (that is not already the CRP)
- transition arrangements and deadlines
- guidance for updating your documented practices and procedures.
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