It is the question we hear most at our Randburg store: do I need a licence to fly my drone? The short answer is that it depends on why you are flying, not on how expensive your drone is. This guide explains the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) rules in plain language, based on Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
This article is a practical summary, not legal advice. Always check the latest rules on the SACAA website before you fly.
Private (recreational) flying: no licence needed
If you fly purely for your own enjoyment, with no commercial outcome, interest or gain, SACAA treats it as a private operation. You do not need a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) or an operator certificate. But the rules still apply:
- Your drone must be Class 1A or 1B: under 7 kg.
- Keep it within 500 m of you and in direct, unaided sight.
- Do not fly higher than 150 ft (about 45 m) above the ground unless approved.
- Stay at least 50 m away from people, public roads and property, unless the owner gives permission.
- Stay at least 10 km away from any airport or airfield.
- Keep clear of manned aircraft and controlled, restricted or prohibited airspace, and away from prisons, police stations and national key points.
- Fly in daylight and clear weather, and never drop objects from the drone.
Most consumer DJI drones, such as the Mini, Air and Neo series, fall well under 7 kg, so they can be flown privately under these rules.
Commercial, corporate or non-profit flying: licence required
As soon as the flight benefits a business, a client or an organisation, it is no longer private. That includes paid photography and video, property and real estate shoots, roof and solar inspections, survey and mapping work, and flying for your own company. For these operations SACAA requires:
- Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) for the pilot.
- RPAS Operator Certificate (UASOC) for the business.
- Certificate of Registration for each drone.
- Letter of approval (RLA) for the aircraft.
- An Air Service Licence (ASL) for commercial operations.
How to get a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL)
To qualify for an RPL you must:
- Be 18 or older.
- Hold a current medical assessment.
- Complete training at a SACAA-approved training organisation (ATO).
- Pass the practical flight assessment and the radiotelephony exam.
- Have English language proficiency at level 4 or higher.
Omnisky offers SACAA-approved drone training. Talk to us about the RPL course that fits your aircraft and the work you want to do.
Do I need to register my drone?
Drones flown for commercial, corporate or non-profit work must be registered with SACAA before they fly. Registration uses the CA-47 forms, and when you sell a registered drone, the seller and buyer each submit their change-of-ownership forms within 30 days.
Common questions
I post my drone videos on YouTube. Is that commercial?
If the channel earns money or promotes a business, the flight has a commercial outcome. If in doubt, treat it as commercial and get properly licensed.
Can I fly my drone over my neighbour’s house?
Not without permission. Private pilots must stay at least 50 m from property unless the owner agrees.
Can I fly in a national park?
Many parks and reserves ban drones outright. Check with the park authority before you go.
Need help getting started?
Whether you are buying your first drone or setting up a commercial operation, our team can help with the right aircraft, training and ongoing maintenance. Get in touch or visit us at 280 Oak Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg.
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