Chief Remote Pilot
Led operational compliance, pilot oversight, and safety management at AUAV and SafeSky Systems. Managed flight approvals, flight checks, and operational oversight for 24+ RPAS pilots across Australia.
Developed and submitted the SafeSky Systems Operations Manual, achieving CASA approval for complete One-to-Many, BVLOS, and Dropping and Discharging operations on first application with no revisions.
BARS Accreditation
Took AUAV from non-compliance to BARS accreditation. Reformed operations manual, training systems, record keeping, and flight planning. Transitioned from Flyfreely to AVCRM. Passed three consecutive audits with no first-tier findings and only four second-tier findings across three years.
CASA Exemptions Secured
- MTO / Swarm -- Up to 4 RPAS simultaneously
- Sub-150 kg RPAS -- Heavy-lift platforms
- eBVLOS -- Offshore rigs, power stations
- BVLOS / ROB -- Drone-in-a-box remote ops
- OONP -- All three CASA pathways
- NOTAM Originator
Area Approvals & Defence
- Within 3nm of YMLT, YSSY, YBAF, YBBN
- Above 400ft at Yallourn (to 800ft AGL)
- Up to 900ft AGL Australia-wide
- RAAF Amberley -- Defence LOA
- RAAF Darwin (YPDN) -- Defence LOA
- RAAF Richmond (YSRI) -- Defence LOA
SORA Applications
- Nevertire Solar Farm -- BVLOS/ROB
- NT INPEX -- BVLOS/ROB and ERP
- WA Karratha Gas Fields -- BVLOS/ROB
- NSW Gladstone Coal Ports -- BVLOS/ROB
Training & Assessment
In 2013, developed a full RePL syllabus and examination accepted by CASA -- one of the first approved courses in Australia. Delivered course material and assessed students for RePL approval.
Multi-rotor and fixed-wing instructor. Maintained in-house training and flight checks for all pilots.
Safety & Incident Management
HSEQ -- incident management, investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions. JSA/SWMS risk assessment.
Stood down operations under significant commercial pressure when conditions were unsafe — safety is non-negotiable.
Regulatory Knowledge
CASA Part 101, MOS, CAR 101, TMI. Operations Manual authoring and amendments. Policy and procedure development. Aviation audits (BARS) / ISO.