Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

General Information

Definitions:

“Remotely piloted aircraft” (RPAS) means an unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a remote pilot station, excluding model aircraft and toy aircraft.

“Toy aircraft” means a product falling under the definition of aircraft which is designed or intended for use in play by children.

“Model aircraft” means a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere and used exclusively for air display, recreational use, sport or competitions, operated at approved SAMAA airfields only.

Acceptable uses of RPAS

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

For all other use –

  1. the RPA must first be approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority for use by way of an RPA Letter of Authority (RLA);
  2. all RPAs must be registered by the South African Civil Aviation Authority prior to use;
  3. an RPA may only be operated in terms of Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations which includes specific requirements that the operator shall hold RPAS Operating Certificate (ROC)
Dangers of negligent operation of an RPA:

Collision with other aircraft, with possible fatal results

  1. Collision with other aircraft, with possible fatal results
  2. Injury to the public
  3. Damage to people’s property
  4. Legal liability for breaking laws such as privacy by-laws and other laws enforceable by other authorities.
Do’s and Don’ts

DON’TS

DO NOT, through act or omission, endanger the safety of another aircraft or person therein or any person or property through negligent flying/operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft.

Do not fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft 50 m or closer from:

  1. Any person or group of persons (like sports field, road races, schools, social events, etc.)
  2. Any property without permission from the property owner.

Unless approved by the SACAA, DO NOT fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft or toy aircraft:

  1. Near manned aircraft
  2. 10 km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad, airfield)
  3. Weighing more than 7 kg
  4. In controlled airspace
  5. In restricted airspace
  6. In prohibited airspace.
  7. Adjacent to or above a nuclear power plant, prison, police station, crime scene, court of law, national key point or strategic installation
  8. Over property for which you do not have permission to do so

Do not fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft higher than 150 ft from the ground, unless approved by the Director of Civil Aviation of the SACAA.

DO’S

  1. Fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft in a safe manner, at all times.
  2. Remotely Piloted Aircraft or toy aircraft should remain within the visual line of sight at all times.
  3. Fly/operate RPA in daylight and clear weather conditions.
  4. Inspect your aircraft before each flight.

NOTE: The Director of Civil Aviation has designated an external organisation to oversee the operations of recreational aviation.

For more information on the operation of model aircraft, please contact the South African Model Aircraft Association (SAAMA), www.samaa.org.za.

Contact Details

UAS department – rpasInbox@caa.co.za

Legislation

​Regulations and Technical Standards 

The Minister of Transport signed the Eight amendment of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011. The amendment which contains Part 101: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems came into operation on the 1st of July 2015. To view the Part 101 Regulations and Technical Standards, please visit the Legislation page.

Enquiries

RPAS enquiries should be emailed to rpasInbox@caa.co.za.

Pilot Licensing, Instructor Rating and Training

​Prior to making any application with SACAA, you will be required to obtain aviation training at an approved training organisation (ATO).

Prior Requirements
Pilot Licences

The following requirements are compulsory.

  1. An applicant should not be less than 18 years of age
  2. Applicants must hold current medical assessments
  3. An ATO for training must be identified
  4. Foreign theoretical training will be approved and validated (ASK)
  5. Only successful completion will be accepted
  6. Applicants must pass the RPL practical assessment
  7. Applicants must also pass Radiotelephony Examination
  8. Achieved English Language Proficiency (ELP) level 4 or higher.
  9. All applications must be submitted to the SACAA.

* See Part 101 Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) and Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) for complete list of requirements

Instructor Ratings
  1. Remote Pilots will apply to the SACAA for Instructor Ratings.
  2. Remote Pilot Instructors will apply to the SACAA for Designation as Remote Pilot Examiners.
Credits

Prior learning will be recognised and applies to and including the following:

A person who holds or has held:

  1. A Pilot Licence.
  2. A military qualification equivalent to a licence and rating; or
  3. An air traffic control licence, or a military qualification equivalent to an air traffic control licence.
  4. Commercial air unmanned aircraft operations experience
    • Prior to making any application with SACAA, you will be required to obtain aviation training at an approved training organisation (ATO).
    • The RPAS training course is provided by SACAA approved training organisations that have basic RPAS Training on their Operators Certificate.
    • People with no aviation experience through to experienced aviators have the option of gaining a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) that is focused entirely on the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS)

* RPAS training in South Africa is still in its infancy, as it is globally. The South African Civil Aviation Authority is working closely with industry to develop the training standards, syllabus and resources necessary for the industry to expand and grow professionally.

Upon completion

The course is competency based and comprises of a combination of theory and practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, the provider will apply to SACAA for a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL).

ATO

For information relating to Training Organisations, visit the Training pages of our website.

Sale and resale of RPAS

General

A seller has an obligation of informing a buyer of regulatory requirements of flying RPAS in South Africa. A seller has to, by way of a packaging label, or in the case of the resale thereof, by way of written notification, notify the buyer of the requirements as prescribed in Document SA-CATS 101.

Information notice sample:

Operations as a hobbyist are subject to the terms of Part 94, whereas private use is restricted in terms of Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.

For private use –

  1. The RPAS may only be used for an individual’s personal and private purposes where there is no commercial outcome, interest or gain;
  2. The RPA may only be operated over property for which the operator has ownership or permission;
  3. 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
  4. The pilot must observe all statutory requirements relating to liability, privacy and any other laws enforceable by any other authorities.

For all other use –

  1. the RPA must first be approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority for use by way of an RPA Letter of Authority (RLA);
  2. all RPAs must be registered by the South African Civil Aviation Authority prior to use;
  3. an RPA may only be operated in terms of Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations which includes specific requirements that the operator shall hold a Remotely Piloted Operations Certificate (ROC).

See Private Operations below for more information regarding private operations.

Private Operations

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. Private operations of RPAS shall be conducted:
    1. only in R-VLOS (day and night)
    2. with a Class 1A or 1B RPA (mass < 7 kg, Impact energy* < 15 kJ)
  2. Do not fly RPA:
    1. Near manned aircraft
    2. 10 km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad or airfield)
    3. In controlled, restricted or prohibited
    4. Adjacent to or above a nuclear power plant, prison, police station, crime scene, court of law, national key point or strategic installation
  3. Do not fly RPA 50m or closer from:
    1. Any person or group of persons (like sport fields, road races, stadiums, schools, social events, etc.)
    2. Public road
    3. Any property without permission from property owner
    4. Do not release dispense, drop, deliver or deploy any object or substance from a RPA
    5. Only fly RPA in clear weather conditions

NOTE: The Director of Civil Aviation has designated an external organisation to oversee the operations of recreational aviation.

For more information on the operation of model aircraft, please contact the South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA), www.samaa.org.za.

View the latest SACAA promotional brochure and flyer regarding the operation of RPAS here.

Registration of RPA

Guidelines for registration transactions of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA)

In accordance with Part 101.02.4(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011, No remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) shall be operated within the Republic of South Africa, unless such RPA has been issued with a certificate of registration by the Director.

How to register RPA

Applicant should fill the following form, depending on the intent:

  • Form CA-47R1 – application for new registration of the RPA.
  • Form CA-47R2 – for change of ownership.
  • Form CA-47R3 – for deletion due to accident or export.
  • Form CA-47R4 – amendment of C of R due to change of company name, change of address, or change of manufacturer’s name.
  • Form CA-47R5 – for duplicate C of R as a result of being lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

These forms may be obtained from the Airworthiness Forms Page of the website.

Note:

The original application must be submitted to the SA Civil Aviation Authority, Aircraft Registry, Ikhaya Lokundiza, Building 16, Treur Close, Waterfall Park, Bekker Street, Midrand, OR mailed by registered mail to Private Bag X73, Halfway House 1685.

New Registration of RPA on SACAR:

The new owner must complete and sign the Form CA-47R1. The new owner/applicant should then submit the original application to the SACAA, accompanied by the applicable supporting documents set out on page 4 of form, as well as the prescribed fee.

Change of ownership:

The SELLER (or present registered owner) of a South African registered aircraft will notify the SACAA of the transfer of ownership by completing and signing the Form CA-47R2. The seller should return the complete Form CA-47R2 within 30 days after the sale of aircraft.

The BUYER/ NEW OWNER applies for registration of aircraft in his name by completing the Form on the Form CA-47R1. The NEW OWNER should then submit the complete original application to the SACAA, accompanied by the applicable supporting documents set out on page 4 of Form CA-47R1, as well as the prescribed fee within 30 days after the sale of the aircraft.

Note:

Both forms CA47-R1 Seller AND CA47-2 Buyer/new owner) should be submitted simultaneously within 30 days after the sale of the aircraft.

Deletion of aircraft after an accident RPA:

The presently registered owner of the said aircraft must kindly complete and sign Form CA-47R3 and forward it to the SACAA, accompanied by the original last Certificate of Registration and a RLA Letter of Approval.

Deletion for export:

The registered owner has to complete and sign form

CA-47R3 accompanied by the supporting documents as set on the bottom of the form, together with the prescribed fee.

(Please note that the original Certificate of Registration and the original RLA Letter of Approval) must also be submitted to the SACAA.

Amendment of Certificate of Registration:

The present registered owner of the RPA has to complete and sign Form CA-47R4 accompanied by the supporting documents as set out on the bottom of the form, together with the amendment fee.

Duplicate of Certificate of Registration RPA: 

As a result of being lost, damaged or destroyed, the present registered owner must complete and sign the Form CA-47R5. Submit the original Form to the SACAA accompanied by the duplicate fee.

Information for owners and operators

Applicability

Part 101 is applicable to RPAS operated for the purpose of:

  • Commercial operations
  • Corporate operations
  • Non-profit operations
  • Private Operations

The following are excluded:

  • Autonomous unmanned aircraft
  • Unmanned free balloons
  • Aircraft operated in terms of Part 94
  • Model aircraft
  • Toy aircraft
RPAS Operations Versus Required Approval
Required Approval Commercial Operation Corporate Operation Non-profit Operation Private Operation
ASL
Yes
N/A
N/A
N/A
ROC
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
RLA
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
RPL
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
C of R
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
NOTE: RMT is required for maintenance on RPAS classified as class 3 and higher

Abbreviations:

  • ASL – Air Service Licence
  • ROC – RPAS Operators Certificate
  • RLA – RPAS Letter of Approval
  • RPL – Remote Pilot Licence
  • CofR – Certificate of Registration
  • RMT – RPAS Maintenance Technician
RPAS Classification

* Refer to Regulation 101.01.3 and Document SA-CATS 101 for grouping and classification of RPAS.
Go to Legislation to view Regulations.

RPAS classification parameters

Classification of RPA is achieved through four parameters;

  1. Mass of an RPA
  2. Impact velocity of an RPA (this value has to be converted to an impact energy of the RPA)
  3. Height above ground level
  4. Flight rules

Determination of RPA impact energy

Refer to APPENDIX B of Technical Guidance Material (TGM) for RPAS Part 101 for instructions and example of how to determine impact energy of an RPA. 

Rules of Flight

Radio line-of-sight (RLOS)

RLOS means a direct electronic point-to-point contact between a transmitter and receiver. See appendix C for illustration diagrams. The following options are available for RLOS:

  • R-VLOS
  • VLOS
  • EVLOS
  • BVLOS

See APPENDIX C of Technical Guidance Material (TGM) for RPAS Part 101 pictorial view of RLOS flight rules. 

NOTE: Currently, RPAS operations are limited to RLOS operations. Beyond radio line-of-sight (BRLOS) is reserved for future use

Accidents and Incidents

The purpose of investigation of an accident or incident is, subject to section 12 of the Act, to determine, in terms of the provisions of this part, the facts of an accident or incident in the interest of the promotion of aviation safety and the reduction of the risk of aviation accidents or incidents, and not to establish legal liability. Once accident investigations are concluded a report is compiled in the interest of promoting aviation safety.

What has to be reported to the SACAA?

All accidents and incidents involving an RPA shall be reported as prescribed in Part 12, where there is –.

  1. any injury or death to a person;
  2. damage to property; or
  3. destruction of the RPA beyond economical repair.

Note: All incidents involving an RPA where loss of control occurred shall be reported to the holder of the RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC).

The SACAA website has a list of investigators on standby who should be contacted should an accident or incident occur.

Airspace

DO NOT

Through act or omission, endanger the safety of another aircraft or person therein or any person or property through negligent flying/operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft.

Do not fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft 50 m or closer from:

  1. Any person or group of persons (like sports field, road races, schools, social events, etc.)
  2. Any property without permission from the property owner.

Unless approved by the SACAA, DO NOT fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft or toy aircraft:

  1. Near manned aircraft
  2. 10 km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad, airfield)
  3. Weighing more than 7 kg
  4. In controlled airspace
  5. In restricted airspace
  6. In prohibited airspace.

Do not fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft higher than 150 ft from the ground, unless approved by the Director of Civil Aviation of the SACAA.

DO’S

  1. Fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft in a safe manner, at all times.
  2. Remotely Piloted Aircraft or toy aircraft should remain within the visual line of sight at all times.
  3. Fly/operate RPA in daylight and clear weather conditions.
  4. Inspect your aircraft before each flight.

The user should ensure that they are aware of the airspace that they intend to operate in.

RPAS Operations Certificate

​To initiate the process, the potential operator shall submit a “Letter of intent”. Click Forms tab on the left for more to access a form. 

Pre-requisites

Commercial Operations:

Air Service License (ASL) issued by the Air Service License Council (which resides at the Department of Transport). Even though ASL is a pre-requisite before issuance of an ROC, both application processes (ASL and ROC) may run concurrently. – Note it can only go as far as the Pre Application Phase this is according to OP001 FOD procedures – Formal Application Phase (Phase 2) requires an ASL

Corporate and Non-profit Operations:

Nil

Application process

The Applicant will have to follow the 5 Phase process.

Phase 1 Pre-Application:

  • The applicant submits a “Letter of Intent” (CA101-02) to the SACAA (FOD) Flight Operations Department: Part 101.
  • Pre-application meeting is held (relevant application info is given to the applicant)
  • For commercial operations, the applicant will be referred to the Department of Transport to apply for a Domestic Air Service License (ASL) at the Air Service Licensing Council.
  • The applicant will need to submit the relevant ASL application form which can be downloaded off the Department of Transport website as well as the required documents. Regarding “aircraft” documents, one only needs to submit the Certificate of Registration and proof of insurance. Should the applicant not yet be insured, this can be a letter from an insurance company stating what insurance will be activated once the Demonstration is to be conducted and the aircraft is to be operated. Part 101 requires the applicant to be “adequately insured for third party liability”. As per the Act, third party liability needs to be a minimum of R500 000 per aircraft.
  • The post holders required are:
    • Accountable Manager/CEO
    • Responsible Person: Flight Operations (Ideally have some experience in RPAS flying operations, hold a RPL)
    • Responsible Person: Aircraft (Ideally have some RPAS operations and maintenance experience)
    • Safety Manager (Ideally have some experience in Aviation Safety, completed an Aviation Safety Management Systems course)
    • Quality Manager (Ideally have some experience in Aviation Quality System, completed an Aviation Quality System Course)
    • Security Manager – this post is optional for the application and can be combined with one of the above posts, eg: safety manager*** Depending on the size and complexity of your operation, the above posts may be combined, however, it is recommended that safety and quality remain independent ***
  • To operate commercially, the applicant requires a Class III license, Category A4 (fixed wing), H1 (multi-rotor) and H2 (helicopter) and G-codes applicable to the intended operation.
  • Other processes which can take place at this time:
    • Registration of aircraft (needed for ASL application)
    • Application for Remote Pilots License (RPL) once the pilot meets all the requirements as per Part 101.

Phase 2 Formal Application:

  • Once the applicant has submitted his/her ASL application to the Air Service License Council, the Licensing council will publish the application in the Government Gazette for 21 days. After the 21 days have lapsed, the applicant will be invited to the council. It is recommended that the applicant commences this process as soon as possible.
  • Once the ASL has been issued the applicant can commence the Formal Application by submitting the following to the SACAA Flight Ops Department:
    • CA 101-10 Prospective RPAS Pre-Assessment Statement form (POPS) (along with all CV’s, certificates and licences of Post Holders)
    • CA 101-13 Proposed Schedule of Events form
    • Proposed Ops Spec
  • Once received and reviewed by the SACAA, the applicant will be invited to attend a formal application meeting with the relevant personnel at SACAA. Depending on the application, the formal meeting may, at the discretion of the inspector, be conducted at SACAA office or video conference.
  • The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the application process and resolve any omissions and/or discrepancies and to answer any questions from either party. This meeting shall encourage open communication and an effective working relationship between both parties.
  • The applicant will be notified in writing whether the formal application has been rejected or accepted. If the formal application is rejected, an explanation will be provided to the applicant.
  • The RPAS letter of Authority (RLA) can now also be applied for with the SACAA engineering department (eng@caa.co.za)
  • Thereafter the CA 101-03 Part 101 Application for Issue or Renewal of RPAS Operating Certificate form, along with relevant docs and payment is to be submitted to the relevant personnel

Phase 3 Documentation

  • Once the formal application has been accepted, the applicant will need to submit the following manuals
    • RPAS Operations Manual (ROM)
    • Aircraft Maintenance Plan (AMP)
    • For RPAS Class 3 and above, a RPAS System Safety
  • The CAA will complete a review of the manuals
  • If a manual is incomplete or deficient, or if non-compliance with the regulation or safe operating procedures is detected, the manual will be returned for corrective action.
  • If the manuals are satisfactory, they will be “approved” or “accepted” as required.
  • Please note SACAA Inspectors are not permitted to consult in detail on the shortcoming of manuals. If the applicant is not familiar or experienced with the regulated aviation environment, it is highly advisable to seek the services of a reputable RPAS consultant to assist in compiling of manuals to avoid delays/costs.

Phase 4 Demonstration and Inspection:

  • After approval or acceptance has been given to all the required documentation, the applicant will enter the “Demonstration and Inspection Phase”.
  • In this phase, the applicant will need to demonstrate its ability to comply with regulations, the company operations manual and safe operating practices.
  • The Demonstration and Inspection Phase includes onsite evaluations of all policies, procedures, methods and instructions as described by the regulation and operations manual.
  • Depending on the intended operations, the inspector may specify what he/she would like to see demonstrated.
  • The demonstration is particularly important for those operators applying for “Approvals from the Director”, for example: EVLOS operation, Controlled Airspace operations etc.
  • The Applicant will be notified in writing that the Demonstration and Inspection Phase has been successful/unsuccessful

Phase 5 Certification

  • After the document compliance and demonstration and inspection phase has been completed satisfactorily the applicant will be issued with a RPAS Operating Certificate (ROC) as well as the Operational Specifications (Ops Spec).
  • The Ops Spec will contain authorizations, limitations and provisions applicable to the operation.
  • The certificate holder is responsible for continued compliance with the regulations, authorisations, limitations and provisions of the Operating Certificate and Operational Specifications.
  • The CAA is responsible for conducting periodic inspections of the operator’s operation to ensure continued compliance with the regulations and safe operating procedures.
Credits

If an applicant is in position of a valid Class III license, Category A4 – Type G16, G4 or as applicable to the operation, he/she may begin the process from Phase 2.

What is issued at the end?
  • RPAS Operators Certificate
  • Operations Specification (Ops Spec)

Airworthiness

Visit the Airworthiness Pages to view a register that presents a list of SACAA approved RPAS System Safety.

RPAS Operators

  • Abeod (Pty) Ltd
  • Active Blue Productions and Marketing CC​
  • Aeromapix (Pty) Ltd
  • Agizo (Pty) Ltd
  • Agridrone (Pty) Ltd 
  • Agrihawk (Pty) Ltd
  • ALL About Drones (PTY) LTD
  • Anglo Operations (Pty) Ltd – Coprorate ROC
  • Atlantic Tech Group (Pty) Ltd
  • BAC Helicopters CC
  • Banzoflash (Pty) Ltd
  • Bridging Digital Divide Group (Pty) Ltd​
  • CAD Mapping (Pty) Ltd
  • Caelum Technologies (Pty) Ltd
  • Cairn UAS Division (Pty) Ltd
  • CCD Technologies (Pty) Ltd
  • Compact Aerial Services (Pty) Ltd
  • Corporate Aviation Management Services (Pty) Ltd
  • Cortac (Pty) Ltd
  • Darkwing Aerials (Pty) Ltd
  • DC Geomatics (Pty) Ltd
  • Diaruk (Pty) T/A Kimfly Charters
  • Directional Survey and Mappint (Pty) Ltd
  • Drone One (Pty) Ltd​
  • Drone Ops (Pty) Ltd
  • Drone Pilot School (Pty) Ltd
  • Drone Systems Africa (Pty) Ltd
  • Droneinsight (Pty) Ltd
  • Dronepix (Pty) Ltd
  • Eagle Drone Service (Pty) Ltd
  • EMS – Western Cape Government Health – Non- Profit ROC
  • Endangered Wildlife Trust
  • Epic Air Aerial Services (Pty) Ltd
  • Eugene Pretorius & Associates (Pty) Ltd
  • FC Hamman Films CC
  • Garden Route Media (Pty) Ltd
  • GC Geofly (Pty) Ltd
  • Gemini GIS & Environmental Services CC
  • Gert Ssibande District Municipality (Corporate)
  • Greenfly Aviation (Pty) Ltd
  • Heli – X Charters (Pty) Ltd
  • Helivate (Pty) Ltd
  • Henley Air (Pty) Ltd
  • Hensoldt Optronics (Pty) Ltd
  • Higher Results People (Pty) Ltd T/A Drone IT
  • Idube Forestry 2 CC
  • Incredible Technologies (Pty) Ltd
  • Infinity Aerial (Pty) Ltd
  • Integrated Aerial Systems (Pty) Ltd
  • Kelvinair (Pty) Ltd – Corporate ROC
  • Kwazulu-Natal Nature Conservation Services T/A Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Corporate)
  • Liebenconsult (Pty) Ltd
  • Look Up Productions CC
  • LS Multicopter Projects and Services (Pty) Ltd
  • MS Aviation (Pty) Ltd – Corporate ROC
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • Neo Precision (Pty) Ltd
  • Outsourced Insurer Services  – Corporate ROC
  • PacSys (Pty) Ltd
  • Parthenius Project Consultants (Pty) Ltd
  • Peakfull CC
  • Premier Aviation CC
  • Pro Wings Training (Pty) Ltd
  • Purple Turtle Aviation CC
  • Quemic Africa (PTY) Ltd
  • Robot Air (Pty) Ltd
  • Rocketmine (Pty) Ltd
  • Ronin Inventory Management Systems (Pty) Ltd
  • RPAS Consulting (Pty) Ltd
  • Salaria (Pty) Ltd
  • Saphire Blue (Pty) Ltd
  • Sasol Mining (Pty) Ltd – Corporate ROC
  • Scarab Industries CC
  • Sky High Solutions (Pty) Ltd
  • Skyhook (Pty) Ltd
  • Skyriders Access Specilists (Pty) Ltd
  • SNA Civil and Structural Engineers (Pty) Ltd – Corporate ROC
  • Sola Group (Pty) Ltd
  • South African National Blood Service ​
  • Starlite Aviation (Pty) Ltd
  • Streamline Cinema (Pty) Ltd
  • Surveying and Resource Management CC to the ROC ​
  • Terra Survey (Pty) Ltd
  • Tharisa Minerals (Pty) Ltd – Coporate ROC
  • The iGlobe Group Control (Pty) Ltd
  • Tristan Export (Pty) Ltd
  • UAV & Drone Solutions (Pty) Ltd
  • UAV Aerial Works (Pty) Ltd
  • UAV Industries (Pty) Ltd
  • UAV Inspection (Pty) Ltd
  • UAV Technologies (Pty) Ltd
  • Visual Air Productions (Pty) Ltd
  • Visuals from Above (Pty) Ltd
  • VPM Surveys CC
  • Vula Aviation Technologies (Pty) Ltd
  • Wrend Holdings (Pty) Ltd
  • Zutari (Pty) Ltd – Corporate ROC

RPAS Maintenance and Engineers

RPAS Maintenance

Applicants should maintain the RPA in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions whether it is through actions or inspections. The maintenance programme has to be submitted to the SACAA for Directors approval. See Technical Guidance Material (TGM) for Maintenance programme for more information. 

Maintenance Engineers

Application

  • Applicant submits application form CA-101-RLA with appropriated fee.

Pre-requisites, an application should:

  1. Be no less than 18 years of age
  2. Be a South African citizen or in possession of a valid permanent residence permit or valid temporary work permit with a letter of employment
  3. Have successfully completed appropriate training, provided by (i) an organization approved by the competent authority in the country where the training organization is located; (ii) training provided by an approved original equipment manufacturer, or (iii) a training facility approved by the Director, or
  4. Demonstrate the ability to perform maintenance functions where no training for the particular RPA is offered or available.

Requirements

  • RMT requirements.

Upon successful completion a RPAS Maintenance Technician Letter of Authorization (RMT) will be issued.

Letter of authorisation (Certification)

​To initiate the process, applicant must submit application form CA-101-RLA with appropriated fee.

General
  1. No RPAS shall be operated within the Republic, unless such RPAS has been issued with a letter of approval (RLA) by the Director.
  2. An application for the issuing or renewal of an RLA shall be made to the Director on the appropriate form and accompanied by the appropriate fee.
  3. The Director shall issue an RLA if the applicant complies with the requirements prescribed in regulation 101.02.2.
  4. An RLA shall be valid for a period of 12 months from date of issue.
Pre-requisites
  1. It is a responsibility of the applicant to observe and comply with any other laws of the country, e.g. municipal by-laws, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), etc.
  2. Continued system maintenance as per regulation 101.06.1 (1).
Requirements

An applicant has three options to acquire letter of approval for an RPA. Different options are stipulated in regulation 101.02.2 (1). For all three options, applicants should submit the substantiating documentation which supports the application.

Submitted documentation should substantiate that the RPAS in question is capable of being operated safely for the work it will be deployed for. The evaluation process will consider the contents of Operational Specifications (OpsSpec) issued by the Director as part of RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC).

Requirements for system safety are stipulated in Regulation 101.02.2 (1) and Document SA-CATS 101. Please also refer to TGM for Part 101 RPAS Letter of Approval for more information. Please click here to access the TGM.

Credits

The SACAA will consider documentation for previously approved RLA for similar RPAS. Should operational conditions change, SACAA may request more documentation or substantiation to cover the differences.

Upon complying with all requirements, the Director will issue a RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA).

RPAS Forms

  • For Part 101 Licensing forms, please visit the Personnel Licensing page.
  • For Part 101 Operator’s Certificate forms, please visit the Flight Operations page (Aerial Work).
  • For Part 47 Aircraft Registration forms, please visit the Airworthiness page.
  • For Part 101 Airworthiness forms, please visit the Airworthiness page.