Legal operations
Compliance is part of the flight plan.
Commercial RPAS work in South Africa depends on more than a capable aircraft. The pilot, operator framework, airspace, site and mission all need to align.
Qualified pilots
Missions are flown by pilots holding the required Remote Pilot Licence for the operation.
ROC framework
Commercial missions are conducted under SACAA Remote Operator Certificate G1336D.
Site-specific plan
Airspace, landowner permission, local restrictions, weather and risk are assessed for each mission.
Important distinction
Legal readiness is location-specific.
An RPL or ROC does not automatically make every location immediately flyable. Coordinates, intended height, nearby aerodromes and local permissions can change the approval path and lead time.
Read the approvals guideShare the coordinates early. A preliminary site assessment is the fastest way to establish what is practical.
Assess a location