Rogue drone pilots blame red tape
‘There is nothing wrong with SACAA's rules in terms of where you can and can't fly and I think you'll get consensus from pilots that they're reasonable, and should be policed as such.’
DRONE operators allege the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is itself responsible for driving many pilots underground through excessive red tape and cost implications.
Responding to recent ZO articles, one pilot said while appreciating the need for high levels of professionalism and safety in the aviation sector – especially as it pertains to drones capable of flying at high altitudes being potentially dangerous to aircraft – the perspective of legitimate and skilled drone pilots is not being considered.
‘The SACAA has strict laws and rules in place governing drones both used in pilots’ private capacities and in commercial applications, and rightly so. Safety is of the utmost importance when people and property are at risk,’ said one reader.
‘However, the SACAA makes it difficult and ludicrously expensive to become a legitimate drone pilot, especially those wanting to start businesses and provide employment in this booming sector.
‘The process is onerous and incredibly time-consuming, costs upwards of R100 000 and takes 12 months or more to complete,’ he said.
‘In essence, drone pilots – especially those wanting to operate commercially – have to follow almost the exact procedures and requirements that an airline operator (such as Comair or SAA for example) has to follow.
‘So a small, one-man drone operation essentially has to employ qualified staff from the outset, acquire a pilot’s licence and register as an airline with the Department of Transport (to acquire an
Aviation Services Licence), and then present and demonstrate a fully-operational airline to the SACAA before certification is granted, if it is granted at all.
‘This, as you can imagine, is as reasonable as killing an ant with an elephant gun.
ALSO READ: Drone pilots warned
Read full story in ZO Monday!
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