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ARTICLE · 30 SEPTEMBER 2016

Drones, you and the law

Coutts Solicitors & Conveyancers
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New laws provide some comfort to those concerned about the increased use of drones and the perceived invasion of privacy.

AustraliaPrivacy
Coutts
Coutts
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Drones are becoming more common. Although used for some time for agribusiness, map making and by surveillance organisations and insurance companies, smaller drones are now readily available – in fact they seem to be one of the top Christmas gifts for 2016.

Be careful what type of drone you buy – drones that are 2 kgs or more, need to be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Anyone piloting these drones also needs to obtain an Operator's Certificate before they can start flying the drone in public airspace. Where public airspace begins is not straight forward, unfortunately there is no clear boundary. Serious drone operators should consider purchasing maps from CASA.

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