Do's and dont's of drones

Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - When using a drone there are regulations that must be kept in mind.

Whether it's a toy or expensive brand it poses a real concern for home owners and the aviation industry.

Airspace in South Africa is regulated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, share airspace with licenced private and commercial pilots. Since 2012 SACAA planned to accommodate this new technology into the airspace.

The two important laws relating to the flying of drones and model aircraft are Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Act and the Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).

Model aircraft fall under the South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA).

If you are a member and the club that allow drone flying the club rules and regulations are in place to regulate drone flying at the club.

The two categories of drone flying are private and commercial. The Mossel Bay Advertiser will deal with commercial drones in a later issue.

For the use of privately owned or toy drones, Part 101 of SACAA stipulated the following do's and don'ts:

DONT'S

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

1.1 Do not fly/operate RPAS, or toy aircraft 50m or closer from:

1.1.1 any person or group of persons (like sports field, road races, schools, social events, etc)

1.1.2 Any property without permission from the property owner.

1.2 Unless approved by the SACAA, do not fly/operate RPAS or toy aircraft:

1.2.1 near manned aircraft

1.2.2 10km or closer to an aerodrome (airport, helipad, airfield)

1.2.3 weighing more than 7kg

1.2.4 in controlled airspace

1.2.5 in restricted airspace

1.2.6 in prohibited airspace

1.3. Do not fly/operate remotely piloted aircraft, or toy aircraft higher than 150 ft. (45m) from the ground, unless approved by the Director of Civil Aviation of the SACAA.

An illustration of the no-fly zones in and around Mossel Bay. The coloured circles indicate the zones.

DO'S

2.1 Fly/operate remotely piloted aircraft, or toy aircraft in a safe manner, at all times.

2.2 RPAS or toy aircraft should remain within the visual line of sight at all times.

2.3 Fly/operate RPAS in daylight and clear weather conditions.

2.4 Inspect your aircraft before each flight.

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

Items 1.2.1 - 12.6 are the ones that impact drone flying in and around Mossel Bay the most. With the airport 10km from the Point in Mossel Bay, Danabaai 5km away and Hartenbos 7km, it is illegal to fly in this areas.

With a few helipads, paragliding launching sites and model aircraft clubs the illegal flying zone expands rapidly.

Looking at other controlled, restricted and prohibited airspaces which include harbours, protected areas and other state entities, it is impossible for privately owned or toy drones to fly in the local airspace.