Drones

Drone operation within the City of Belmont is heavily restricted

As the City of Belmont is located within 5.5km of Perth Airport, flying a drone that weighs more than 250g is prohibited. 

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the government organisation that regulates drone use in Australia. If you own a drone, it is essential that you are familiar with CASA’s drone weight categories and requirements, the drone safety rules, and strictly adhere to their rules and regulations.

Drones that weigh 250g or less (classified as micro drones), can be flown within the City, when: 

  • There are no crewed aircraft flying in the area 
  • There are any crewed aircraft flying to or from the airport the drone is landed as soon as safely possible 
  • Only outside the airfield boundary
  • The flying of the drone is permitted on City of Belmont property however it must not disturb or interfere with others, or cause a nuisance or safety hazard. 

Where can I fly my drone?

CASA provide a list of verified drone safety apps that use location-based maps that show where a drone can be safely flown and in compliance with aviation legislation. View CASA's list of drone safety apps. 

The dos and don'ts of flying a drone

Operating drones over 250g is prohibited within the City of Belmont Area. 

There are rules in place to keep you and others safe, on the ground and in the air. The drone safety rules, also known as the Standard Operation Conditions, apply to all types of drones and remote-controlled aircraft. 

The CASA video below provides drone safety rules and tips for recreational drone operators. 

When operating a drone, you must:
  • only fly one drone at a time
  • always fly your drone in visual line-of-sight — this means:
    • flying only during the day
    • avoid flying through clouds, fog, or smoke
    • you can always see your drone with your own eyes — not by using goggles, binoculars, or another device
    • not flying behind obstacles that stop you from always seeing your drone. For example, trees, buildings, or other structures. 
You must not fly your drone:
  • higher than 120 m (400 ft) above ground level — that's about the height of a 35-storey building or length of a football field 
  • closer than 30 m to people — other than those helping to control or navigate your drone 
  • over or above people at any time or height — such as a crowded beach, busy road, sporting event, concert or wedding
  • in a way that creates a hazard to another person, property, or aircraft 
  • near emergency operations 
  • in prohibited or restricted airspace (use a CASA-verified drone safety app to identify where you can safely use the drone) closer than 5.5 km to a controlled airport, which usually has a control tower, if your drone weighs more than 250 g. You can operate indoors provided the drone cannot get out of the building. If you’re a ReOC holder, please see more information on flight authorisations.

You may operate your drone within 5.5 km of a non-controlled airport or helicopter landing site if: 

  • there are no crewed aircraft flying in the area
  • you see any crewed aircraft flying to or from the airport or helicopter landing site you land as soon as safely possible
  • you stay outside the airfield boundary. 

Please note the above information is subject to change and may not be current. Visit CASA's website for up-to-date information. 

Reporting illegal or unsafe drone use

If you see someone using a drone in an illegal or unsafe manner within the City of Belmont, you can report it to CASA. Offenders can receive large fines.

Breaches can be investigated where there is sufficient evidence, such as photographs or video recordings of the breach and the person controlling the drone at the time. CASA is not able to investigate any privacy concerns or claims as their role is restricted primarily  to aviation safety. 

Report drone use in the City of Belmont

 
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