Drones are rapidly increasing and becoming part of our everyday lives. The market for commercial drones is growing faster than anticipated and will rapidly increase within the near future.
From aerial footage of construction sites to analyzing and determining crop health, drones not only bring productivity advantages to businesses but also security and safety. Drones are helping industries to become safer, as well as more efficient, productive, and secure, including Agriculture, Construction, Public Safety & Emergency Services, Mining, Surveying, and more industries.
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has made flying drones legal under certain regulations.
These regulations include:
- Using a drone for commercial operations requires a drone pilot to be registered and operate under Part 101 of the SACAA regulations.
- Drones may not be flown 10 kilometers or closer to an airport without special permission from the SACAA.
- Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of contact with their drones at all times while in flight.
- Drones may only be flown during daylight hours.
- You may not fly a drone near any person or group of people (like sports field, schools, social events, etc.).
- Drones may only be operated for personal use when there is no commercial outcome, interest, or gain involved with the footage.
- Drones weighing more than 7 kilograms may not be flown.
- Drones may not be flown within 50 meters (164 feet) of people or private property (without permission from the property owner).
- Drones may not be flown within controlled airspace, restricted airspace or prohibited airspace
- Do not fly or operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft higher than 150 feet from the ground, unless approved by the Director of Civil Aviation of the SACAA.
According to the SANPark website, “The use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly prohibited.”
For more information, visit the South African Civil Aviation Authority.