Meet the DIWA Team
We deliver remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) solutions across Australia and around the globe.
Our priorities are safety, reliability, and flexibility — values that guide every mission we fly.
Established in 2016, DIWA holds CASA ReOC for commercial operations, is a RePL Training Provider, holds IREX and EVLOS certifications, and is CM3 safety certified.
Our reputation for precision and professionalism is built on years of operating experience and a team of industry specialists and dedicated remote pilots.
Our service, quality, and safety standards are second to none — trusted by Australia’s leading organisations in mining, infrastructure, and environmental management.
Founder & CEO
Mike Appleyard
Meet Mike: Your Expert in RPAS Operations
Credentials:
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Remote Pilots License (RePL)
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Aeronautical Radio Operators License
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Remote Operators Certificate
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Certified RF Awareness Electromagnetic & Radiation
About Mike:With over seven years of dedicated experience in the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) industry, Mike has built a reputation as a driving force in drone operations, training, and compliance across Australia. A veteran of the British Armed Forces, he carries forward the values of precision, discipline, and safety into every aspect of DIWA’s operations.
Professional Journey:
After establishing Drone Inspections WA in 2016, Mike expanded DIWA’s capabilities into multiple sectors — from aerial surveying and industrial inspections to environmental mapping and defence applications.
He later founded FlyIQ, DIWA’s dedicated training and certification division, delivering CASA-accredited programs that equip pilots and organisations with the skills to operate safely and confidently in complex airspace.
Building on DIWA’s defence expertise, Mike also co-founded Red Air, a specialist team of ex-military pilots and operators that supports counter-UAV training and defence preparedness across Australia.
Vision and Leadership:
Through DIWA, FlyIQ, and Red Air, Mike remains committed to advancing Australia’s drone industry by blending innovation, training excellence, and operational integrity — setting new standards for performance and professionalism in the RPAS field.
Director of Safety & Compliance RPAS
James Bethell
Meet Jim: Your Expert in Drone Safety and Compliance
Credentials:
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Remote Operators Certificate
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Remote Pilots License (RePL)
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Aeronautical Radio Operators License
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CASA IREX Accredited
About Jim:
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the Royal Air Force, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to drone operations. His journey began with rigorous training and service in airborne sensors, culminating in distinguished roles, including RAF search and rescue operations.
Professional Journey:
Jim's time in the Royal Air Force gave him invaluable insights into flight safety and aviation legislation. As a drone safety and compliance leader, Jim assumes a pivotal role in ensuring integrity and adherence to regulations within the uncrewed sector. His meticulous approach extends to constructing robust safety cases for new projects and emerging technologies, safeguarding operations, and effectively mitigating risks.
Expertise and Authority:
With Jim at the helm of safety and compliance, you can rest assured that your drone operations are in the hands of a seasoned professional. His unparalleled expertise, honed through years of service and dedication, positions him as a leading authority in the field.
Why Choose Jim?
When you entrust Jim with your drone safety and compliance needs, you partner with a professional who prioritises precision, reliability, and innovation. With his guidance, your projects meet regulatory standards and exceed expectations, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the uncrewed sector.
Founder - Managing Director
Lee Freer
Meet Lee: Your Expert in Industrial Inspections
Credentials:
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Remote Operators Certificate
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Remote Pilots License (RePL)
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Aeronautical Radio Operators License
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IRATA Level 3
About Lee:
With a robust background spanning over two decades in the industrial inspecting industry, Lee brings unparalleled expertise and precision to every project. His journey is marked by extensive experience in both onshore and offshore sectors, encompassing various inspection methodologies, including rope access and NDT (Non-Destructive Testing).
Professional Journey:
A relentless commitment to excellence and innovation in industrial inspections distinguishes Lee's career. His comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience equip him to navigate the complexities of diverse environments, from challenging offshore installations to intricate onshore facilities. Lee's proficiency extends beyond traditional methods, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to deliver insights that drive operational efficiency and safety.
Expertise in Inspections:
As a seasoned professional, Lee is renowned for his keen attention to detail and meticulous approach to inspections. Whether conducting rigorous rope access assessments or performing precise NDT inspections, Lee's expertise ensures that every project is executed with the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
Business Development Director
Yves Dehouck
Meet Yves: Your Expert in Innovation and Growth
Credentials:
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Remote Operators Certificate
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Remote Pilots License (RePL)
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Aeronautical Radio Operators License
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Helicopter Pilot (PPL)
About Yves:
Yves brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, aviation expertise, and business acumen to DIWA. With a distinguished background in education technology and executive leadership across the Asia-Pacific region, Yves now channels his passion for cutting-edge solutions into the world of drone operations.
Professional Journey:
Yves held executive roles at the forefront of digital transformation before joining the RPAS sector. His transition into aviation was driven by a deep interest in innovation and unmanned systems. Now as a certified Remote Pilot, Yves applies his leadership experience to support DIWA’s growth, client relationships, and operational delivery.
Business & Operational Insight:
Whether in the field or at the strategy table, Yves is focused on scalable solutions, client satisfaction, and opening new market opportunities. His ability to navigate both the operational and commercial sides of the drone industry positions him as a key asset in DIWA’s expanding footprint.
Why Yves?
With Yves, you get more than just flight expertise — you get a strategic partner invested in the success of your project from the first contact to final delivery.
Chief RePL Instructor – RPAS Training
Michael Whitehouse
Meet Michael: Your Expert in Drone Training
Credentials:
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Remote Pilots License (RePL)
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CASA IREX Accredited
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Aeronautical Radio Operators License
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110)
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Private Pilots Licence (PPL)
About Michael:
Michael brings a decade of aviation and drone operations experience to DIWA, combining technical mastery with a passion for professional pilot training. As DIWA’s Chief Remote Instructor (CRI), he plays a key role in developing and delivering CASA-certified training programs for commercial drone pilots across Australia.
Professional Journey:
Before joining DIWA, Michael held senior roles across leading UAV organisations, including Dendra Systems, Hover UAV, and Unmanned Systems Australia. His expertise spans site leadership, advanced RPAS maintenance, and operational training, giving him a deep understanding of both the technical and human sides of aviation safety.
Training & Operational Expertise
Michael’s background as both a crewed and uncrewed pilot gives him a rare perspective on flight safety, aeronautical decision-making, and airspace management. His training approach blends real-world aviation discipline with practical, hands-on drone operations. He specialises in preparing pilots for advanced roles, including EVLOS, Chief Pilot, and ReOC management, ensuring they meet CASA standards with confidence and professionalism.
Why Michael?
Michael is an accomplished flight instructor and assessor, known for his calm professionalism and clear instruction style. His combination of real-world operational experience and training excellence makes him an invaluable part of DIWA’s mission to raise industry standards.
Lead RPAS Cinematographer – Aerial Content & Creative Operations
Torstein Dryting ACS
Meet Torstein: Your Expert in Cinematic Drone Operations
Credentials:
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Remote Operators Certificate
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Remote Pilots License (RePL)
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Aeronautical Radio Operators License
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Professional Cinematographer
About Torstein:
Torstein blends artistic vision with technical precision to capture powerful aerial narratives. With a background in cinematography and years behind the lens, he brings a creative edge to DIWA’s drone operations, ensuring every shot tells a story and every flight meets the highest professional standards.
Professional Journey:
An accomplished cinematographer, Torstein has worked across film, television, and commercial productions, both in Australia and internationally. His transition into aerial cinematography was a natural evolution — combining his passion for visual storytelling with cutting-edge RPAS technology.
Creative & Technical Expertise:
Torstein’s mastery of camera angles, movement, and light, paired with his flight skills, results in breathtaking visuals that elevate any production. Whether it’s a dynamic tracking shot over rugged terrain or a smooth cinematic pass over industrial infrastructure, Torstein delivers with style and precision.
Why Torstein?
When your project demands more than just a drone pilot — when it needs an artist in the sky — Torstein is your go-to. His deep understanding of framing, pacing, and aerial choreography ensures DIWA’s content stands out for all the right reasons.
Partner with DIWA for trusted expertise in drone operations, training, and compliance — built on years of real-world experience.
Cm3 is Australia’s leading OHS/WHS Contractor Prequalification system.
Cm3 has been developed so that Clients can be confident that the contractors they engage have OHS/WHS systems and processes for working safely.
Cm3 provides qualified OHS/WHS specialists who assess contractors' health and safety management systems and capabilities – giving you a detailed understanding of your contractors' work health and safety capabilities before they start work and supporting your overall contractor management process.
DIWA is now CM3 compliant, which means great benefits for “your business” and ours.