SA Drone Laws

For simplified information regarding South Africa’s drone laws please refer to the CAA website.

“Note: The operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) is regulated in terms of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations.

Operations as a hobbyist are subject to the terms of Part 94, whereas private use is restricted in terms of regulation 101.01.4 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.

For private use –

(a) the RPAS may only be used for an individual’s personal and private purposes where there is no commercial outcome, interest or gain;

(b) the RPA may only be operated over property for which the operator has ownership or permission;

(c) the RPAS can only be used in Restricted Visual Line of Sight which means within 500m of the pilot, and never to exceed the height of the highest obstacle within 300m of the pilot, during which the pilot can maintain direct unaided visual contact with the device to manage its flight and collision avoidance; and

(d) the pilot must observe all statutory requirements relating to liability, privacy and any other laws enforceable by any other authorities.

Definitions: 

Private operation – means the use of an RPA for an individual’s personal and private purposes where there is no commercial outcome, interest or gain; 

Restricted visual line-of-sight* – means an operation within 500 m of the remote pilot and below the height of the highest obstacle within 300 m of the RPA, which the remote pilot maintains direct unaided visual contact with the RPA to manage its flight and meet separation and collision avoidance responsibilities;  

General:

 It is the full responsibility of the remote pilot of the RPAS to fly his/her aircraft safely and not endanger safety of another aircraft, any person or property.

The remote pilot must observe all statutory requirements relating to liability, privacy and any other laws enforceable by any other authorities. 

Limitations and restrictions

Please adhere to the following for the safe operation of RPAS: 

Private operations of RPAS shall be conducted:

1. only in R-VLOS
2. with a Class 1A or 1B RPA (mass < 7 kg, Impact energy* < 15 kJ) 
3. Do not fly RPA:
4. Near manned aircraft
5. 10 km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad or airfield)
6. In controlled, restricted or prohibited airspace
7. Do not fly RPA 50m or closer to:
8. Any person or group of persons (like sport fields, road races, stadiums, schools, social events, etc.)
9. Public roads
10. Any property without permission from property owner 
11. Only fly RPA in daylight and clear weather conditions