Drone Inspections for Commercial Roofs: CASA Rules, Insurance, and When They Don't Substitute for Access

Remote piloted aircraft have become a standard tool for inspecting commercial roofs where traditional access is slow, expensive, or unsafe. The regulatory envelope in Australia is Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101, administered by CASA.

For commercial operations in the sub-2kg excluded category, operators must notify CASA but do not need a Remote Pilot Licence or a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate. For operations over 2kg, a RePL and a ReOC are generally required. Standard operating conditions require visual line of sight, below 120 metres above ground level, at least 30 metres from people, and daytime flight.

What a drone can deliver: orthomosaic imagery, thermal imagery for moisture or insulation surveys, and photogrammetric models for area and slope calculations. What it cannot deliver: AS 1657 safe access verification, close-in assessment of flashings and penetrations, or tactile testing of fixings. A drone survey is an excellent complement to traditional inspection, not a replacement for it.

Insurance matters. Drone public liability cover is separate from most inspectors' standard PL policies. A ReOC holder's cover should be checked for named pilot cover, currency, and whether it extends to third-party property damage during operations.