Tom Pils is a Senior Solicitor at LawBase specialising in drone law and the regulations surrounding this rapidly growing area of aviation. His mission is to guide clients through the red-tape and regulatory risk associated with integrating and utilising drones in their operations so as to ultimately increase their productivity and profitability. 

He has been invited to take part in various Government drone related working groups including the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) and AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) Strategic Regulatory Roadmap Working Group, including leading one of its sub-working groups; the CASA Part 101 Post-Implementation Review Technical Working Group; as well as the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications UTM (Uncrewed Traffic Management) Working Group.

Tom has presented on drone regulation on numerous occasions across various platforms, including conferences, podcasts, and at seminars for Continuing Professional Development credits for law and other disciplines. He has also written drone regulatory papers for LexisNexis and Thomson Reuters.

Tom is also President of the Australian Certified UAV Operator’s Association (ACUO) where alongside the Management Committee, he promotes the growth, expansion and longevity of the commercial drone industry in Australia. He is also on the Management Committee of the Aviation Law Association of Australia and New Zealand.

When actually working, Tom has acted for drone pilots, manufacturers, software providers and just about every other party relevant to drone operations. The advice has ranged from advising on complex drone operations, and liability issues, through to representing drone operators in CASA investigations.

Complementing his drone law focus, Tom also practices in the areas of commercial law, disputes & litigation – having represented clients in various commercial disputes in the Local, District, Supreme and Federal Courts. With a double degree in Commerce-Accounting and Bachelor of Laws, Tom understands the drivers that underlie business success, and provides actionable legal advice in its commercial context. Tom’s broad range of experience serves his mission to empower drone operators through education and advice, and with the LawBase team, to be – the lawyers in your corner of the sky.®