Keeping Your Remote Operator Certificate Current
ReOC Renewal Is a Simple Process — If You Understand It
Renewing your Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) is a routine administrative process.
However, it is often misunderstood or confused with:
- Variations to operational scope
- Changes to fleet
- Changes to key personnel
- Changes to address
It is important to understand:
A ReOC renewal is not the time to make changes to your operation
What a ReOC Renewal Actually Does
A ReOC renewal:
- Extends the validity of your existing certificate
- Does not change your operational scope
- Does not update aircraft, personnel, operator details or privileges
The renewal simply:
Continues your current approval for a further period
Renewal Period and Cost
A ReOC renewal:
- Extends the certificate for 3 years from the existing expiry date
- Is subject to a $480 government fee
This is a fixed regulatory cost and applies to all operators.
When You Can Renew
ReOCs can be renewed:
- Up to 3 months priorto the expiry date
- Or earlier if specifically requested using CASA Form 101-02
Renewing within the standard window ensures:
- Continuity of operations
- No lapse in approval
Where to Renew
ReOC renewals are completed through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority my.CASA portal.
Important:
The renewal link only appears in the CEO’s view of the CASA portal
It does not appear in the Chief Remote Pilot (CRP) view.
This is a common source of confusion and can lead to:
- Missed renewal windows
- Delays in processing
Renewal vs Changes — Keep Them Separate
A ReOC renewal should not be confused with any changes you wish to make to your operation.
This includes:
- Fleet changes
- Key personnel updates
- Changes to operational privileges
- Changes to operator details including trading names or addresses
These are:
Separate processes and must be managed independently
Operational Approvals Are Separate
In addition to your ReOC, you may hold operational approvals (e.g. EVLOS, airspace approvals, etc.).
It is critical to understand:
- These approvals must be renewed separately
- They are not renewed as part of your ReOC renewal
- CASA does not issue renewal remindersfor these approvals
Failure to track and renew operational approvals can result in:
- Loss of capability
- Non-compliant operations
- Disruption to service delivery
What Happens If You Don’t Renew
Failure to renew your ReOC before expiry results in:
- Loss of your operational approval
- Inability to legally conduct operations
- Potential requirement to reapply
Maintaining continuity is critical for:
- Business operations
- Client commitments
- Regulatory compliance
If Your ReOC Has Already Expired
If your ReOC has lapsed, it cannot be renewed.
In this case:
You must apply for a replacement ReOC
Uncrewed Approvals offers a discounted replacement service for operators whose ReOC has expired within the past 3 months.
This provides:
- A faster pathway back to operational status
- Reduced cost compared to a full new application
Outside of this window, a standard application process will apply.
Recommended Approach
To avoid delays and complications:
Step 1 — Renew Your ReOC First
- Complete the renewal process
- Ensure your certificate remains current
Step 2 — Manage Changes Separately
- Submit variations after renewal
- Address fleet, personnel, operator details or scope updates independently
Step 3 — Track Operational Approvals
- Maintain a register of approval expiry dates
- Renew approvals proactively
This approach ensures:
- Continuity
- Compliance
- Operational efficiency
Common Mistakes
We frequently see operators:
- Attempting to include changes within the renewal process
- Looking for the renewal link in the CRP portal view
- Failing to track operational approval expiry dates
- Leaving renewal too late
- Allowing the ReOC to lapse unnecessarily
How Uncrewed Approvals Can Help
We support operators to:
- Manage ReOC renewals correctly
- Avoid lapses and operational disruption
- Track and manage operational approvals
- Facilitate replacement ReOCs where required
- Plan post-renewal variations efficiently
We help you:
Maintain approval continuity and operational capability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make changes when renewing my ReOC?
In theory, yes, but we strongly recommend that changes be submitted separately after renewal so as not to interfere with the renewal process.
Where do I find the renewal link?
It is only visible in the CEO’s view of the CASA portal.
What happens if my ReOC expires?
You will no longer be authorised to operate and must apply for a replacement. CASA generally does not allow late renewals of any authorisation. If a qualification or permission expires, it is gone, and you must reapply for a new one.
Are operational approvals renewed automatically?
No — they must be tracked and renewed separately. CASA does not issue reminders.
Keep Your Approval Current
Renewing your ReOC is straightforward — provided it is done correctly and on time.
Structured advice. Regulation-aligned outcomes.
