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Nick
Jackson
Hover UAV on behalf of Rainmaker
Operations are proposed in airspace around Mt Buller, Vic, SFC to FL200, to support BVLOS cloud seeding research flights by Rainmaker using a RPAS.
The issue
- TRA of approx. 48 nautical miles² (n miles), SFC to FL200, spanning Class G, E, C and A airspace. Activated by NOTAM only when conditions are forecast to be suitable, typically for 4–8 hours at a time, by day or night.
- No operations during, or within 30 minutes of, Mt Buller ski-field operating hours.
- Emergency and priority aircraft: Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations cease on request, and the airspace is made available to the relevant operator.
Purpose
Engage with local Victoria air operators for feedback regarding proposed Temporary Restricted Area (TRA) for BVLOS RPAS Operations.
This is an update on the previous AVSEF.
Operations are proposed in airspace around Mt Buller, Vic, SFC to FL200, to support BVLOS cloud seeding research flights by Rainmaker using the Elijah RPA.
Proposal
OVERVIEW
Rainmaker is an American precipitation technology company that is engaging in RPAS research and development operations in Australia. Rainmaker is seeking to add a BVLOS area approval to their RPA operations to allow the testing of their RPA and adjacent technology, the Elijah V2, from Mt Buller. Rainmaker currently holds an RPA Operator’s Certificate (ReOC). Rainmaker conducts similar BVLOS activities in the USA.
Any BVLOS operations will be conducted in accordance with a CASA approval. Proposed deconfliction requirements include the use of NOTAMs, broadcasting on and monitoring of the relevant aviation radio frequencies, ADS-B IN traffic monitoring at the ground control station and, if required, the use of electronic conspicuity devices. This information is provided as part of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and provides an opportunity for stakeholders to raise any safety concerns or provide feedback on the proposal.
PROPOSED AREA
The proposed TRA is over and to the north of Mt Buller, as shown in the attached map (figure 1). The TRA is defined as the RPA flight geography plus a contingency volume.
The TRA is proposed from SFC – FL200. The coordinates of the TRA are:
- 370953S 1462455E
- 370852S 1463337E
- 370226S 1463354E
- 370322S 1462354E
ACTIVATION
The TRA will not be permanently active. It will be activated by NOTAM only when conditions are forecast to be suitable for cloud seeding and cancelled as soon as flying is complete. As activation is driven by forecast cloud conditions, it will be irregular. Activation by day or night. No operations during, or within 30 minutes of, Mt Buller ski-field operating hours, or during large outdoor events at Mt Buller.
Typical Activation duration: Approximately 4–8 hours per activation. Each flight is limited to 60 minutes by RPA endurance; multiple flights may be conducted within one activation window, and the exact start time depends on conditions on the day. If operations are completed before the end of the activation window, the NOTAM will be cancelled.
EMERGENCY AND PRIORITY AIRSPACE ACCESS
Emergency and priority operations will take precedence. Rainmaker will work with relevant authorities to establish a coordination framework with clear communication and notification procedures, under which they can request the cessation of RPAS operations to support emergency response, fire or other aviation activities. The procedure will be available to all emergency and priority operators, including aeromedical, police, and search and rescue aircraft.
AvSEF members are invited to provide feedback to Rainmaker: nick@hoveruav.com.au by 20 October 2026.