MEC Ricardo McKenzie calls for less restrictive regulation of private drones

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has responded to calls for the deregulation of the legal restrictions on the use of drones.

Mobility MEC Ricardo Mackenzie urged regulatory reform to unlock the potential of drones in transforming certain tech and research sectors in South Africa.

“About four months ago, I went to Bredasdorp to have a look at one of the largest drones in the world, destined to play a transformative role in providing aid to disaster-stricken places. This drone was fully funded by the Netherlands Government and only needed a testing facility, which was made available by the South African Air Force. However, the drone was unable to get a permit to operate in South Africa because our regulatory environment was not ready for it. Sadly, this drone – and all the jobs that come with it – has been taken to Kenya instead,” said Mackenzie.

SACAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulations have led to certifications for complex humanitarian and disaster management drone operations, including emergency blood delivery and lifesaving equipment drops, but require a pilot’s license to operate them for any commercial purpose. Clearance for drone use involves a process beginning with obtaining an Air Service License (ASL) from the Department of Transport.

Current restrictions for hobbyists forbid operation of drones in the following way without a license:

• near a manned aircraft,
• 10km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad, airfield),
• that weighs more than 7kg,
• in controlled airspace,
• in restricted airspace, or
• in prohibited airspace.

These restrictions do not apply to government operators.

The City of Cape Town has invested in safety technology, including drones, as part of a R860 million three-year plan.

SACAA’s mandate is limited to civil aviation operations, with no control over drone usage by the State (police, border control, and military), which is not subjected to civil aviation regulations.

SACAA did not promised to review regulations, but show no intention of relaxing current restrictions.

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