CANBERRA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Australians flying drones for recreational purposes could soon be forced to pass a written and practical test before they are allowed to do so.
A report released by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee made 10 recommendations for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) to address "growing public anxiety" about drones.
One key recommendation was that a mandatory registration regime should be introduced for all RPAS weighing more than 250 grams.
Under current laws, only devices weighing more than two kilograms are subject to licensing laws.
"During the course of the inquiry, it became clear to the committee that RPAS regulation and safety requires a coordinated, holistic approach which encompasses matters including national security, importation, consumer protection, and technological innovation," the report said.
"As part of registration requirements, RPAS operators should be required to successfully complete a basic competence test regarding the safe use of RPAS and demonstrate an understanding of the penalties for noncompliance with the rules."
Under the proposal, the test would consist of a basic competence test regarding the safe use of RPAS.
"The introduction of a mandatory registration regime provides an opportunity to reach and inform all RPAS users whilst also requiring of them a demonstrated understanding and awareness of safe RPAS use," it said.
According to the committee, the number of drones being used for recreational use in Australia has grown to 50,000 plus 8,000 which are used commercially.
The report also recommended expanding areas where RPAS were not allowed to be flown and introducing airworthiness standards for RPAS manufactured overseas.
