As a hobbyist you are only allowed to operate a drone in restricted visual line-of-sight (R-VLOS) and no higher than 45m above the ground and no closer than 50m from any person or property.
"Private operations of RPAS shall be conducted only in R-VLOS with Class 1A or 1B RPA"
"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."
What is R-VLOS, you ask?
"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"
source: SACAA Website
"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: Any person or group of persons (like sports field, road races, schools, social events, etc.) Any property without permission from the property owner."
source: SACAA Website
So, if you are standing in an open field without any trees or obstacles, you are the obstacle...(think about that for a moment). You are not allowed to fly the RPA ("drone") further than 300 m from where you are standing and you are not allowed to fly higher than your own height. Why not further than 300 m? Technically, when you are more than 300 m away from the drone, you are no longer the highest obstacle. The grass/soil/desert/shrub/mushroom/ant is now "the highest obstacle within 300 m of the RPA" at which point it would make more sense to take out your remote control car and make some sweet doughnuts..
But what if I don't care about the SACAA and the stupid rules, you ask? Well, you probably should.. as you could get a fine or go to a South African jail...
But what if you want to start a drone business?
101.04.1 (1) No person shall operate an RPAS in terms of this Part unless such person is the holder of— (a) in the case of commercial, corporate and non-profit operations, a valid ROC including the operations specifications attached thereto; and (b) in the case of commercial operations, an air services licence issued in terms of the Air Services Licensing Act, 1990 (Act No. 115 of 1990).
source: Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011
If you are interested in starting your own drone business, we can help you every step of the way...
The extent of our RPAS Operating Certificate ("ROC") services include, but are not limited to:
Assistance with SACAA forms, telephone calls, emails and guidance throughout the 5 Phase ROC process;
Development and drafting of the RPAS Operations Manual, Maintenance Programme, Safety Case and Standard Operating Procedures;
Assistance with the application for an Air Service License; and
Auditing, which may include a preparatory Audit (Gap Analysis) before the SACAA Audit conducted in Phase 4 of the ROC Application.
The conservative timeline for a commercial ROC is 12 to 18 months, however, the timeline is dependent on various parties i.e. the client, the Department of Transport and the SACAA. We have had clients complete the entire ROC application in 9 months and many others between 12 to 14 months.
We would be very pleased to be able to offer you a quote, however, we need to understand as much about your needs as possible. To that end, please complete this online Scope of Work form.
Now for some more regulations from the South African Civil Aviation Authority...
"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.
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 –
(a) an RPA must be registered and may only be operated in terms of Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations.
Dangers of negligent operation of an RPA: Collision with other aircraft, with possible fatal results
(a) Collision with other aircraft, with possible fatal results
(b) Injury to the public
(c) Damage to people's property
(d) Legal liability for breaking laws such as privacy by-laws and other laws enforceable by other authorities.
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:
Any person or group of persons (like sports field, road races, schools, social events, etc.)
Any property without permission from the property owner.
Unless approved by the SACAA, DO NOT fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft or toy aircraft:
Near manned aircraft
10 km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad, airfield)
Weighing more than 7 kg
In controlled airspace
In restricted airspace
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
Fly/operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft, or toy aircraft in a safe manner, at all times.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft or toy aircraft should remain within the visual line of sight at all times.
Fly/operate RPA in daylight and clear weather conditions.
Inspect your aircraft before each flight.
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