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Issue #001 • Week of 11 May 2026 • redtailhorizons.com.au
A quiet week on the regulatory front — but anything but quiet in the Queensland market. A new compliance framework launched, a foreign company made its move on Brisbane, and the grant calendar has one live window closing fast. Here is what matters this week.
// COMPLIANCE & RISK
AusSORA Launches — New Risk Framework Now in Force
CASA's AC 101-06 (AusSORA) commenced 11 May 2026, replacing the previous SORA 2.0 ground-risk method for all new complex drone applications. Any operator planning BVLOS work, operations over people, or a ReOC application must now use the AusSORA methodology from this date forward.
No new Part 101 rule changes or national NOTAMs were published in the same window. The Australian Government's drone security consultation — a separate process covering identification, counter-drone powers, and restricted zones — opened 9 May and closes 25 May 2026 at noon.
Key dates:
AusSORA (AC 101-06) — in force from 11 May 2026
Drone Security Consultation — closes 25 May 2026, 12:00 PM
Draft Annex A to AC 101-06 — check consultation.casa.gov.au for closing date
// IRON & AUTONOMY
DJI RC 2 Firmware — Maintenance Only, No New Features
DJI released RC 2 firmware v01.00.0700 on 29 April 2026, paired with DJI Fly app v1.21.2. The release note confirms bug fixes only — no new features, no Mini 4 Pro-specific changes. No new Mini 4 Pro hardware or accessories were announced in the same window.
If you are running an RC 2, update through DJI Fly. No capability shift this week.
// IRON & AUTONOMY
DJI Quiet on Mini 4 Pro — Osmo Pocket 4P Debuts at Cannes
No new Mini 4 Pro or RC 2 firmware releases were published in the 14 days to 20 May 2026.
DJI's only verified new product announcement in the window was the Osmo Pocket 4P,
debuted at Cannes on 15 May 2026 — a creator-focused camera with no operational impact
on drone workflows.
Two consecutive quiet weeks for Mini 4 Pro and RC 2 suggests DJI may be holding for a
larger release cycle. Keep DJI Fly notifications active for any mid-cycle firmware drop. No
action required this week.
// RTH LENS
One Live QLD Grant — Closes 25 June
The South East Queensland Innovation Economy Fund is currently open for capital projects including equipment acquisition. Available to GST-registered sole traders operating in SEQ local government areas for over 12 months. Requires 50% co-contribution.
The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program Round 1 closed April 2026 — watch for Round 2. No federal grants specifically targeting drone services sole traders were confirmed open as of mid-May 2026.
Action:
SEQ Innovation Economy Fund — closes 25 June 2026. Check eligibility at business.qld.gov.au
GrantConnect (grants.gov.au) — check weekly for new federal opportunities
// COMPLIANCE & RISK
43,200 RePL Holders — CASA Enforcement Powers Confirmed
CASA's 2026 RPAS address confirmed Australia now has more than 43,200 RePL holders and almost 3,100 ReOC holders, with BVLOS trials and over/near-people operations being progressively streamlined. No specific incidents or enforcement actions were publicly reported in the two-week window.
CASA enforcement penalties range from $1,650 per offence to $16,500 in court, with accreditation suspension available at any point. Insurance gap: QBE has previously confirmed standard business policies frequently exclude drone operations — verify your cover before taking on BVLOS, over-people, or night work.
That is Issue #001.
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