Standard Operating Conditions

All flights conducted by SLSQ drone operators must adhere to CASA’s Standard Operating Conditions. It is the responsibility of all drone operators to be familiar with these.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)
All operations must be conducted under VLOS rules. That is, you must be able to see, orientate and navigate your UAV with your own eyes – not by using goggles, binoculars or any other device. You should also not fly behind obstacles that obscure your vision – such as headlands.

As a guide, SLSQ has developed the following as guides to where VLOS ends in ideal conditions. This is a guide as to the maximum distance you should fly:

• DJI Mavic 3 series – 600m maximum distance from operator
• DJI Mini series – 400m maximum distance from operator

Maximum height
The maximum height for UAV flight is 400 feet/120 metres. However, SLSQ operations will be conducted below this level. The maximum height permitted by SLSQ will be dictated by your Local Operating Procedures with respect to the airspace you are operating in. In general, this will be 40m within 3NM of a controlled airport and 60m for all other operations.

Over, above & near people
All UAV operations must remain a minimum of 30m horizontally from people. You must not fly over people. If at any time you inadvertently find yourself breaching this Condition, manoeuvre your aircraft to a safe distance. For any heights above 30m, drone operators must allow 1m of horizontal separation for every metre of height, for example, at 50m you must allow 50m clearance.

If the beach/water is too crowded to maintain this minimum, UAV operations should cease until such time as this condition can be met. All operations must be conducted in a way to minimise any potential incidents including injury to people, damage to property creating a hazard for manned aircraft.

It is for this reason that your Local Operating Conditions will prescribe that your Exclusion Zone is established away from the flags or where people congregate.

Avoid creating hazards to people, property and aircraft
All operations must be conducted in a way to minimise any potential incidents including injury to people or damage to property, creating a hazard for manned craft.

As discussed previously, minimum separation from people must be maintained. Drone operations should exercise the same caution regarding property, such as not flying over buildings, structures or vehicles.

Remain clear of emergency operations
All UAV flights must remain clear of any emergency operations. Failure to do so may put lives at risk, such as hampering a police operation or grounding water bombing or other emergency aircraft. Incidents & Emergencies

As part of SLSQ, you will be in the unique position of potentially being involved in an emergency situation. Incidents & Emergencies discusses your role in an emergency situation at your beach while you are airborne, or that your patrol captain has asked you to observe.

For any larger scale emergencies, the Duty Officer and Surfcom will direct you. You may be required to stay grounded while other SLSQ drones, LifeSaver rescue helicopters or other aircraft operate.

Operations within 3NM of airports
With prior approval, SLSQ may allow the conduct of flight within 3 nautical miles of a controlled or non-controlled airport. If permitted, limitations may be placed on your operations and will be detailed in your Local Operating Procedures.

In addition to the following restrictions for controlled and non-controlled airports, flight boundaries or other limitations may be inserted into your Local Operating Procedures. For example, Tallebudgera SLSC which sits just outside the controlled airspace around the Gold Coast airport.
Controlled airport
All operations within 3 nautical miles of a controlled airport may only be conducted using a Micro RPA, such as a DJI Mini. Micro RPA must weigh less than 250 grams. Care must be taken when
selecting batteries for use. For example, the DJI Mini must only be used with the standard batteries. The extended batteries available in some Fly More Kits are heavier, which increases the
weight of the DJI Mini above 250g.

SLSQ will limit any flights within 3NM of a controlled airport to 49.5m in height to ensure adherence to CASA regulations.

Extra vigilance is required at these locations due to the increased possibility of manned aircraft movements.

All operations are to remain clear of the Arrival and Departure zones of the airport.

Non-controlled airport
Drone operations can occur within 3NM of a non-controlled airport without the limitation of drone weight. However, care must be taken to avoid the Arrival and Departure zones of the airport. Drones
must also be landed immediately as soon as the operator becomes aware of a manned aircraft within 10NM of the airport. This includes planes taxiing, taking off and landing.