Carbonix and CASA Achieve Certification for Australia’s First SAIL III Drone
Carbonix Achieves SAIL III Certification for Drones in Australia
Sydney-based autonomous aviation company Carbonix has announced that it is the first company in Australia to receive Safety Assurance Integrity Level (SAIL) III certification for a drone. This achievement, reached in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), is also considered a world first for this category of aircraft.
What SAIL III Drone Certification Covers
According to Carbonix, the SAIL III framework assesses the maturity, reliability, and engineering assurance of the drone system, establishing the aircraft as a known entity from a risk management perspective. This framework is part of an internationally recognized approach to regulating autonomous aviation, aimed at facilitating more advanced Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The certification process required Carbonix to demonstrate the reliability of various components, including:
- The aircraft structure and propulsion systems
- Avionics and communications architecture
- Manufacturing systems and supply chain
- Maintenance procedures and operational documentation
Founder and CEO Dario Valenza stated that this milestone represents a significant turning point for both Carbonix and the broader Australian drone industry. The certification is expected to advance the acceptance of long-range drones as reliable aviation systems rather than experimental technologies needing individual approvals.
Surat Basin Approvals Unlock Scaled Operations
Following the certification, Carbonix has received BVLOS operational approvals across the Surat Basin in southern Queensland, an area comparable in size to Belgium (approximately 30,700 sq km / 11,850 sq mi). These approvals enable operations over gas gathering and pipeline networks for major energy clients.
The approvals allow Carbonix to conduct extensive long-range inspection and surveillance missions that have traditionally been performed by helicopters, light aircraft, and ground crews. Key sectors targeted include:
- Mining
- Energy transmission
- Gas infrastructure
- Remote surveying
- Critical infrastructure monitoring
With these approvals, Carbonix aims to fully utilize the long-endurance and full-range capabilities of its Ottano platform in expansive remote environments. This capability is expected to enhance mission duration, area coverage, and asset inspection efficiency while reducing reliance on crewed aviation and ground crews.
Carbonix specializes in developing long-range fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial systems. Its aircraft are designed to carry various payloads, including LiDAR, photogrammetry, and multi-spectral sensors, and feature Starlink-enabled redundant communications for operations in remote areas.