AROC for Drone Pilots: Do You Need a Radio Licence?

What is an AROC?

An Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) is the CASA qualification that lets you transmit on aviation VHF radio, the "airband". With it, you can talk to air traffic control, other pilots and aerodrome operators using standard aviation phraseology.

For drone pilots, the AROC lets you operate safely and legally where crewed aircraft are around, and it often separates a pilot who can take any job from one who can't.

Do drone pilots need an AROC?

Not every drone pilot does. CASA says you need an AROC to fly in controlled airspace. In practice, an AROC is valuable or required when:

• You fly in or near controlled airspace, such as around Perth Airport, Jandakot or other capital-city airspace.

• Your ReOC approvals involve working near aerodromes, where you need to broadcast your position and listen out for other traffic.

• You work on mine sites and remote operations with their own airstrips and regular crewed aircraft movements.

• An employer or client asks for it. Many commercial operators expect pilots to hold both a RePL and an AROC.

If all your flying is in uncontrolled airspace well away from aerodromes, you may not need one yet. Many pilots add it later when work takes them closer to airports.

What about the English language assessment (GELP and AELP)?

To use aviation radio, you also need to show your English meets aviation standards. There are two levels:

• GELP (General English Language Proficiency): a simpler assessment that suits many drone pilots.

• AELP (Aviation English Language Proficiency): a more detailed aviation-focused assessment, often needed for more complex operations or future aviation pathways.

At FlyIQ, you can do both the GELP and the AELP in Perth as part of your AROC day.

What does an AROC course involve?

A good AROC course is practical, not just theory. At FlyIQ by DIWA it's one classroom day at our West Perth venue:

• How airspace works and where drones fit in

• Radio equipment, frequencies and procedures

• Standard phraseology for calls, readbacks and position reports

• Hands-on airband practice with instructors who are working pilots and drone operators

• Your assessment on the day

AROC course prices in Perth

• Basic AROC: $350

• AROC + GELP: $400

• AROC + AELP: $495 (AELP sat in Perth)

The CASA fee is included in all three. Learn more on our AROC course page.

Should I do my AROC with my RePL?

If you're starting from scratch and expect to do commercial work, it's usually worth doing both together. Our RePL + AROC course up to 25kg covers both in five days, so you finish ready for the widest range of jobs. If you already hold a RePL, the standalone AROC day adds the radio qualification without repeating anything.

Training a team? We run group AROC sessions for organisations, on site or in West Perth.

This article is general information based on CASA's published rules at the time of writing. Always check casa.gov.au for the current requirements before you fly.