The North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) conducts integrated industry-focused research into the application of autonomous systems across industries, businesses, and other sectors in northern Australia and the Asia Pacific regions.
Our mission
To enhance the prosperity of all our Stakeholders through the safe adoption of emerging aviation technologies.
What we do
- Provide an ecosystem to develop the drone industry in North Australia.
- Help the industry to adopt and harness emerging aviation technologies.
- Drive innovative drone-based research tailored to the needs of northern Australian industries and sectors.
- Provide training and skill development pathways.
- Create opportunities for Higher Degree Research students and Early Career Researchers.
Director's message
Welcome to the North
Since its inception, NACAS has established a strong presence in the Northern Territory, becoming the ‘go-to’ place for the emerging aviation technology sector. We assist local industries, businesses, government agencies, and communities to harness and apply emerging aviation technologies safely and effectively. The Centre also serves as a North Australian hub for national and international companies wishing to invest, testbed, and showcase in the Top End.
Some of our recent highlights include improving health care delivery to remote communities in West Arnhem, enhancing NT biosecurity, facilitating the clean-up of marine debris from the NT coastline, training the next generation of NT drone pilots, and hosting the Honourable Jason Clair (Minister for Education) and Natasha Fyles (former NT Chief Minister) to open our new research facility at CDU’s Casuarina Campus.
The next year will be huge, as we represent North Australia on a National Cooperative Research Centre bid to make Advanced Air Mobility a reality in Australia and continue developing the country’s first dedicated UAV Flight Test Range right here in the NT.
I thank all our stakeholders for their continued support. We are always seeking partners, collaborators, and enthusiastic, bright young minds to assist us in leading the charge. If you are interested in emerging technologies and think you can help then please don’t hesitate to reach out.
All the best for an exciting year ahead.
Professor Hamish Campbell, Centre Director
Training and Certification
Come and train with NACAS and obtain your Remote Pilot License as a component of the Certificate III Aviation Remote Pilot. Fully funded government places throughout 2024.
This qualification is relevant to individuals operating remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and national operating standards.
Remote pilots operating at this level will apply non-technical and technical knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and will take limited responsibility in known and stable operational contexts within established regulatory parameters.
Licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. This qualification aligns with Remote Pilot Licensing requirements described in Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 101.
You can find out more about the course here.
Find out more about NACAS
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Our people
Meet the dedicated and skilled team behind the North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS).
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