1. Overview

The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap developed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets out how Australia plans to manage the safe integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) into the national aviation system.

This roadmap is designed to offer clarity and direction for both emerging industries and regulators. As drone and AAM technologies evolve rapidly, CASA aims to ensure that safety standards, operational frameworks, and innovation remain aligned.

Essentially, this document acts as a long-term regulatory blueprint — guiding the aviation sector as new forms of air transport and automation become mainstream. It outlines Australia’s intent to create a flexible, scalable, and safety-first approach to aviation technology, enabling businesses and innovators to operate with confidence while maintaining public trust and airspace integrity.

The roadmap also provides predictability for industry stakeholders, ensuring that investments and developments in RPAS and AAM are supported by transparent and forward-looking regulation.

2. Vision

CASA’s vision is to shape a safe, efficient, and future-ready aviation system that seamlessly accommodates RPAS and AAM operations alongside traditional aircraft. The goal is to enable new possibilities in transport, logistics, and aerial services while keeping safety and community confidence at the core.

This vision reflects a proactive and adaptive regulatory mindset — one that anticipates technological growth rather than reacts to it. By laying out a clear regulatory pathway, CASA aims to support responsible industry expansion and ensure that Australia remains a global leader in safe aviation innovation.

The roadmap envisions an airspace where automated and piloted aircraft can coexist, supported by intelligent systems, digital infrastructure, and trusted operational frameworks. It’s about making advanced air mobility a practical and sustainable part of Australia’s future transport ecosystem.

3. Purpose

The purpose of this roadmap is to define the regulatory direction CASA will take over the coming years for RPAS and AAM. It explains how CASA plans to evolve its safety frameworks, certification models, and operational guidelines in response to rapid innovation.

It provides industry participants — from drone manufacturers to logistics operators — a clear picture of what to expect, helping them align product development, compliance, and investment strategies with regulatory milestones.

Ultimately, the roadmap acts as a bridge between innovation and safety regulation, ensuring that while technology progresses, airspace safety, reliability, and public confidence are never compromised.

4. Key Principles

CASA’s approach to RPAS and AAM regulation is grounded in several guiding principles:

1. Safety First – Every decision and regulation is built around maintaining the highest level of aviation safety for all airspace users and the public.

2. Proportional Regulation – Rules will be scalable and risk-based, ensuring that smaller or lower-risk operations face appropriate levels of regulation.

3. Collaboration – CASA intends to work closely with industry partners, other government bodies, and international regulators to build a consistent and harmonised approach.

4. Innovation Support – Regulations should not hinder innovation but guide it safely. CASA will continue to explore new frameworks that allow responsible testing and adoption of emerging technologies.

5. Transparency and Predictability – CASA aims to make regulatory expectations clear and consistent to foster trust and confidence among operators and developers.

6. Global Alignment – Where practical, Australian rules will align with international best practices to simplify cross-border operations and certification.

These principles ensure that as technology evolves, CASA’s approach remains balanced, adaptable, and globally connected.

5. Strategic Focus Areas

The roadmap highlights several strategic areas that will shape how RPAS and AAM are regulated and integrated across Australia. These include:

5.1 Regulatory Framework

CASA will progressively refine Australia’s aviation laws to support more complex RPAS and AAM operations. This includes updating certification, licensing, and operational frameworks to suit advanced automated systems and higher-density airspace use.

5.2 Airspace Integration

A key focus is the safe and efficient integration of remotely piloted and automated aircraft into existing airspace. CASA aims to create systems where drones and traditional aircraft can coexist through technologies like UTM (Uncrewed Traffic Management) and shared digital coordination.

5.3 Safety Management and Assurance

CASA will develop advanced safety management models that use data-driven insights to assess risk, monitor compliance, and improve oversight efficiency. This may include predictive safety analytics and automated reporting systems.

5.4 Certification and Standards

As AAM and RPAS technologies mature, CASA will establish fit-for-purpose certification standards for aircraft, systems, and operators. This ensures that both local innovation and imported solutions meet the same rigorous safety benchmarks.

5.5 Infrastructure and Technology Enablement

The roadmap also recognises the importance of ground infrastructure, such as vertiports, communication networks, and charging stations. CASA will collaborate with other agencies and private stakeholders to ensure these developments meet regulatory expectations and safety requirements.

5.6 Skills, Training, and Workforce Readiness

CASA acknowledges the need for specialised skills and training programs to prepare pilots, operators, and maintenance crews for the next generation of aviation. Partnerships with universities, training bodies, and industry groups will be key to building this talent pipeline.

5.7 Community and Environmental Considerations

The roadmap places strong emphasis on public engagement and environmental impact. CASA will encourage transparent communication about noise, privacy, and sustainability to maintain public acceptance of RPAS and AAM operations.

6. Implementation Approach

CASA plans to roll out regulatory developments in phased stages, allowing flexibility as technology and industry maturity evolve.
The approach includes:

• Continuous review and feedback from industry stakeholders.

• Pilot projects and trials to validate new regulations in real-world scenarios.

• Periodic updates to reflect international developments and lessons learned.

This adaptive framework ensures that regulation keeps pace with innovation without stifling it.

7. Roadmap Updates

CASA will regularly update this roadmap to reflect progress, new insights, and technological advancements.
Updates will highlight completed initiatives, active projects, and upcoming regulatory priorities — ensuring transparency and accountability.

The most recent updates are published directly on CASA’s website, keeping stakeholders informed about milestones and future direction.

8. Conclusion

The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap represents a forward-looking plan to guide Australia’s aviation evolution responsibly.
It combines flexibility with strong safety governance, ensuring that as drones and air taxis move from concept to reality, they do so within a system that Australians can trust.

This roadmap isn’t just about technology — it’s about building confidence, collaboration, and long-term capability in one of the fastest-growing sectors of aviation.