Extend Your Vertical Operating Envelope
Go Beyond Standard Height Limitations
Standard drone operations in Australia are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
For many commercial operations, this limitation can restrict:
- Coverage area
- Operational efficiency
- Access to higher structures or terrain
- Mission effectiveness
Approval to operate above 400 feet allows you to extend your vertical operating envelope safely and legally.
Uncrewed Approvals supports operators in designing and obtaining approvals for operations above 400 feet, aligned with the expectations of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Why Operate Above 400 Feet?
Many real-world operations require greater altitude to be effective.
Large Area Coverage
- Survey and mapping
- Environmental monitoring
- Agriculture
Infrastructure & Inspection
- Tall structures
- Elevated assets
- Terrain-based operations
Operational Efficiency
- Reduced number of flights
- Improved data capture
- Increased productivity
Complex Environments
- Uneven terrain
- Remote operations
- Expansive sites
What is Required for Approval
Operating above 400 feet introduces increased interaction with airspace used by crewed aircraft.
Approval requires a risk-based approach, demonstrating that the operation can be conducted safely.
Airspace Awareness
- Understanding of surrounding airspace
- Identification of other airspace users
Operational Control
- Defined altitude limits
- Clear procedures
Situational Awareness
- Awareness of aircraft position relative to airspace
- Monitoring of potential conflicts
Risk Management
- Identification of hazards associated with higher altitude
- Mitigation strategies
- Contingency planning
Communication (Where Required)
- Coordination with ATC
- Radio procedures in controlled environments
Documentation
- Operations Manual updates
- SOPs aligned with higher-altitude operations
The Approval Process
We guide you through a structured, CASA-aligned process:
Step 1 — Operational Assessment
We assess:
- Your intended operation
- Required altitude
- Airspace environment
Step 2 — Risk Framework
We develop:
- Hazard identification
- Mitigation strategies
- Operational limits
Step 3 — Operational Design
We define:
- Flight profiles
- Procedures
- Control measures
Step 4 — Documentation
We update:
- Operations Manual
- SOPs
- Supporting material
Step 5 — CASA Submission
Application submitted through the appropriate approval pathway.
Step 6 — Approval & Implementation
We support:
- Approval process
- Integration into your operation
What You Get
- CASA-aligned approval for higher-altitude operations
- Structured operational framework
- Updated documentation
- Practical guidance for implementation
- Reduced regulatory risk
Why Uncrewed Approvals
Operations above 400 feet are often seen as complex — but in many cases, they are achievable with the right approach.
We bring:
- Direct experience with CASA approvals
- Strong understanding of airspace risk
- Practical operational design
- Proven frameworks across multiple industries
We ensure your operation is:
- Safe
- Defensible
- Efficient
Common Challenges We Solve
- Uncertainty around airspace interactions
- Overly conservative operational limits
- Misalignment between operational need and approval scope
- Delays in approval due to incomplete submissions
Integrating Higher-Altitude Operations
Operations above 400 feet are often combined with:
- Controlled airspace operations
- EVLOS operations
- Large-area survey and mapping
- BVLOS capability
A structured approach ensures safe integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate above 400 feet without approval?
No — operations above 400 feet require specific approval.
How high can I operate?
This depends on the operation, airspace, and risk assessment.
Do I need to coordinate with ATC?
In controlled airspace, yes.
Is this approval difficult to obtain?
It depends on the operation, but many cases are achievable with proper planning.
Extend Your Operational Capability
If your operations require greater altitude, we can help you obtain approval and integrate it into your operation safely.
