AAUS' core objective is to promote a safe and viable uncrewed systems industry in Australia.

There is increasing use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones in a wide range of civil applications. These applications can deliver significant benefit to the Commonwealth. However, the use of drones by unprofessional operators can have a detrimental impact on the high safety standard and reputation of the entire industry sector. It can also expose the end-users of drone services to a number of commercial, legal and regulatory risks.

AAUS recognises the need to promote those RPAS/drone operators who offer a service to a high professional standard. AAUS also recognises the difficulties end-users have in finding and identifying professional drone service providers.

AAUS endeavours to promote the highest level of safety and professionalism from all drone operators. To this end, AAUS has established the AAUS Accredited Drone Operator Program.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide drone operators with an independent means for identifying their business as a professional member of the industry;
• Provide end-users with added assurance in the professionalism of the drone service providers they engage.