ISA Highlights Workforce Innovation at RPAS in Australian Skies 2025

Mori Hajizadeh, our Industry Engagement Manager for Aviation, recently attended the RPAS in Australian Skies 2025 conference, hosted by the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) in Canberra.

Mori delivered a presentation highlighting ISA’s pivotal role in workforce development, with a particular focus on the 2025 Aviation Workforce Plan. His session also explored several forward-looking initiatives aimed at strengthening skills and training in the RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sectors:

Tiered, Competency-Based Approach to RPAS: A framework designed to better align training and skill development with the complexity and risk profile of RPAS operations.
AAM Skills Gap Analysis: A comprehensive study identifying current and future workforce needs in the emerging AAM sector.
Remote Pilot Licence Project: A review and update of the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) to reflect current industry practices and better align with the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) requirements. This initiative supports the growing demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly expanding drone and uncrewed aviation sector.

The RPAS in Australian Skies conference is a premier event for Australia’s drone and uncrewed aviation community, drawing key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia. This year’s program focused on critical themes including regulatory updates, airspace integration, industry challenges, emerging technologies, real-world drone applications, AAM, and cybersecurity in RPAS operations.

Key highlights from the conference included:

Regulatory updates from CASA and the Department of Infrastructure, including the Roadmap for AAM Aircraft Type Certification, the National Advanced Air Mobility Strategy, and ICAO’s AAM Study Group.
Airservices Australia’s vision for a safe, efficient, and fully integrated airspace.
Real-world applications of drones and AAM in police operations, emergency response, freight logistics, and agriculture.
Updates from the AAM CRC on research, innovation, and enhancing regional connectivity.
Higher education sector initiatives to identify and address AAM-related skills and training needs.

ISA extends its sincere thanks to Greg Tyrrell and the entire AAUS team for organising such a dynamic and forward-thinking event. The conference provided a valuable opportunity to engage with stakeholders and explore the future of skills and training in the RPAS and AAM sectors.