What You Need To Know About Flying Drones In South Africa

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular for both recreational and commercial purposes. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast, a photographer looking for the perfect aerial shot, or a business owner using drones for inspections, it’s crucial to understand the rules and regulations governing drone operations in South Africa. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines or even criminal charges.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about flying drones in South Africa:

South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulates all drone activities under Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs). These rules apply to anyone operating a drone, whether for recreational or commercial purposes.

• Recreational use is when drones are flown for personal enjoyment or non-commercial purposes.
• Commercial use involves flying drones for business operations, such as aerial surveys, real estate photography, or filmmaking.

If you’re flying a drone for fun, here are some key rules you must follow:

• Registration: You don’t need to register your drone for recreational use, but it must weigh less than 7kg.
• Altitude Limit: You cannot fly a drone higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground.
• Line of Sight: Always keep the drone within your visual line of sight.
• No Fly Zones: Avoid flying near airports, airfields, and other restricted zones. SACAA has a list of No-Fly Zones, and flying near these areas could pose risks to air traffic.
• Night Flying: Flying a drone at night is prohibited unless you have specific permission from the SACAA.
• Private Property: Don’t fly over private property or people without permission. Respecting privacy is essential.

Flying a drone for commercial purposes requires additional steps. Businesses or individuals using drones for profit must comply with strict rules, including:

• RPL (Remote Pilot Licence): You must obtain a Remote Pilot Licence from SACAA. This involves completing training at an accredited institution.
• ROC (Remote Operator Certificate): Your business must also hold a Remote Operator Certificate (ROC), which certifies that your drone operations meet all safety and regulatory requirements.
• Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) Approval: For some commercial flights, especially those in controlled airspace, you need approval from ATNS to ensure safe integration with manned aircraft.
• Third-Party Insurance: Commercial drone operators are also required to have insurance in case of accidents or damages.

There are specific areas where you can and cannot fly your drone:

• Public Parks: Some parks allow drone flying, but you must check with local authorities for permissions.
• Beaches: While flying drones on beaches is allowed, you should still adhere to safety rules and ensure you’re not invading others’ privacy.
• National Parks and Reserves: Flying drones in national parks like Kruger National Park is strictly prohibited without permission from park authorities. The concern is the disturbance of wildlife and other tourists.
• Urban Areas: You can fly drones in urban areas, but you must avoid congested areas, large gatherings, and public roads.

Interactive drone map indicating areas where drones can and cannot be flown

• Check Weather Conditions: Avoid flying in bad weather, as strong winds and rain can affect the stability of your drone.
• Battery Awareness: Ensure your drone’s battery is fully charged and keep an eye on its levels during the flight to prevent losing control.
• Be Responsible: Avoid flying near people, animals, or vehicles, as accidents can cause injury or damage.

Breaking drone regulations in South Africa can have serious consequences. If caught flying a drone illegally, you could face:

• Fines up to R50,000
• Criminal charges that may lead to imprisonment
• Confiscation of your drone

Always ensure you’re following the rules to avoid these penalties.

With the increasing use of drones for deliveries, inspections, and even humanitarian aid, regulations in South Africa are continuously evolving. SACAA regularly reviews and updates its drone laws to ensure safety and accommodate technological advancements. Keeping up with these changes will help ensure that you’re always flying within the law.

Images: unsplash.com | unsplash.com
Source: drones.org.za