Considering a night aerial drone project but unsure where to start?
Let’s demystify the process…
While recreational flying after twilight is off-limits in Australia, certified commercial operators like Professional Drone Imagery Pty Ltd (PDI) can legally—and importantly, safely—can capture and deliver stunning aerial solutions for your project.
Here’s how it works and what you can expect…
Why Consider Night Drone Services?
From showcasing a waterfront property at twilight to monitoring remote infrastructure after hours, night flights offer unique advantages:
Real Estate/Property: Highlight architectural lighting or golden-hour landscapes for premium listings, marketing and advertising content.
Tourism/Hospitality: Capture festivals, fireworks, or coastal sunsets that daylight can’t replicate. All can be achieve from a distance without compromising on safety or CASA regulations.
Security/Safety: Use thermal imaging to track wildlife, patrol sites, or assist in search efforts.
Think of it this way…
Night operations aren’t just about “flying after dark”—they’re about unlocking creative or operational opportunities that daytime can’t match.
The Rules Made Simple (No Jargon, We Promise)
CASA’s regulations exist to keep everyone safe, including your project. Here’s what matters to you:
Who Can Fly at Night?
Only operators with a:
- Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC); and
- Remote Pilot Licence (RePL); and
- Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate (AROC).
Your role?
None! We’ve got all accreditations, licences and certifications required to operate at night.
Just book the job and provide us with all of the relevant current information for the location and project so we can do the rest!
Safety First, ALWAYS!
Every mission starts with a thorough Flight Plan, Risk Assessment and Job Safety Assessment (we’ll document hazards such as low visibility or wildlife).
We will also process the Council Permits where needed.
Drones use aviation-grade strobe lights (think “airplane visibility”) and backup systems.
We do not compromise on safety.
Your location is near an airport or aerodrome?
We use current CASA Approved tools, some provide Automatic Approvals often in under 2 hours. However, it is important to note some approvals can take up to 6 weeks, careful and considered pre-planning is essential for night flights especially within an aerodrome.
Important:
* This is on a case-by-case and is not guaranteed even for automated approval processes.
** CASA and Councils fee will be payable on application approval.
Here’s How It Works
Step 1: Share Your Vision
Tell us about your project—a twilight property video, thermal scans of a solar farm, or event coverage. We’ll flag any airspace restrictions upfront.
Step 2: We Handle the Paperwork
Permits, risk assessments, equipment checks—done for you.
Step 3: Capture the Moment
Our pilots use low-light-optimised drones to capture footage, with optional live streaming to your device for instant feedback.
Step 4: Hand Over the Footage
Receive edited footage (within 48 hours) or raw data for your team.
Need rush delivery?
Let us know as soon as possible. But given the approvals required, night projects should be planned well in advance to ensure delivery before deadline can be met.
Why Partner With a Certified Remote Operator with a ReOC?
ReOC = Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators Certificate
Avoid Penalties:
Unauthorised flights risk fines up to $55,000 for businesses.
Full Insurance for Peace of Mind:
Our $20 Million Public Liability Insurance coverage stays valid because we follow every rule.
Precision Commercial-Grade Imaging:
Thermal sensors and low-light cameras with stabilisers deliver crisp data and footage for day or night missions.
Answers to Common Questions
“How close can we fly to an airport?”
Closer than you’d think! With automated approvals, we’ve operated 3km from major hubs like Sydney Airport.
* CASA Fees apply.
"What if it rains or is too hot?"
Simple, we reschedule.
Safety and quality always comes before deadlines — we’ll keep you updated to book the next available date pending forecast updates.
“Can we film in a national park?”
Sometimes! It depends on the site.
We’ll liaise with parks and CASA to confirm.
