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Drone (UAV) Flight Rules in South Africa and Amendment Part 101

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Drone (UAV) Flight Rules in South Africa and Amendment Part 101
/23rd January 2017, DRONE MARKET WATCHTM/ Main stakeholders responsible for drone (UAV) flight regulation in South Africa is the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), which is subordinated to the Ministry of Transport and Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited. The Minister of Transport signed the Eight amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011.  The amendment which contains Part 101:  Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems came into operation on the 1st of July 2015. This amendment is obligatory for drone (UAV) use with commercial purposes. SACAA has issued the first pilot’s license for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) on 10th July 2015. Such license is required for drone (UAV) use with commercial purposes.

Main licensing requirements for commercial operators of drones (UAVs) in South Africa are as follows:
  • Registered RPAS (drone);
  • RPL - RPAS Pilot Licence (for the pilot);
  • ASL - Air Services Licence (from Dept of Transport);
  • RLA - RPAS Letter of Approval (for each drone);
  • ROC - Remote Operator Certificate (approved ops manual).

Main restrictions for commercial operators of drones (UAVs) in South Africa are as follows:

  • Carry an air-band radio to talk to aircraft and ATC control tower;
  • Operate below 400 feet above the surface (about 121 meters / about a 40 story building);
  • Operate up to 500 meters away from pilot, with unobstructed LOS (line of sight);
  • Operate at least 50 meters away from buildings (unless special permission obtained);
  • Operate at least 50 meters away from people (unless special permission obtained);
  • No operation within 10km of an aerodrome / airport (unless special permission obtained);
  • No operation within restricted or prohibited airspace (unless special permission obtained);
  • No releasing of any payloads (unless special permission obtained);
  • Always carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
On the map below you may see drone (UAV) no-fly zones for South Africa

Drone No Fly Zones South Africa

Additional Requirements:
  • Restricted Radio Licence (also known as Restricted Certificate of Radiotelephony - Aeronautical).  Online theory exam at CAA as well as a practical exam with a certified examiner;
  • Aviation Medical Certificate (class 4 or higher);
  • English Language Proficiency Certificate;
  • RPL pilot training (practical and theory training for RPAS in line with Part 101);
  • RPAS requirements (registration marks, ID plate, strobe lights, transponder, etc);
  • RPAS Flight Manual;
  • RPAS technical description;
  • RPAS Maintenance Program and Maintenance Manual (generated by operator / manufacturer);
  • Operations Manual (generated by the operator);
  • Security Manual;
  • Security Awareness training - 1 day course;
  • SMS - Safety Management System;
  • QMS - Quality Management System;
  • ICASA Type Approval for all RF (radio frequency) equipment;
  • Fire Extinguisher;
  • First Aid Kit;
  • Registered Company, at least 75% SA owned;
  • BBBEE certificate;
  • Liability Insurance cover (aviation insurance recommended);
  • Criminal record checks and background checks of all staff;

More information about civil and commercial use of drones (UAS) you may read here: Global Drone (UAV) Flight Regulations
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