Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The South African Civil Aviation Authority provides guidelines for the operation of drones and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Pilots must ensure their UAS is registered, operate within defined airspace restrictions, and adhere to safety measures including maintaining visual line-of-sight and avoiding populated areas. There are strict regulations for private use, and pilots must comply with various operational safety standards to prevent accidents and legal issues.

Key points

• UAS must be registered with the SACAA before use.
• Private pilots can only operate drones for non-commercial purposes within certain safety parameters.
• Flying near people, property, and manned aircraft is heavily restricted.
• Pilots need to maintain visual contact with their drone at all times.

*Plain-English summary of South African Civil Aviation Authority guidance — always consult the official source (linked above) for current, authoritative requirements.*