Blog Articles

1. Drone Compliance South Africa

Topic: From UASOC documentation to flight logs and maintenance records, this resource helps operators meet SACAA standards and avoid costly penalties.

SACAA Compliance Essentials:

• All commercial drone operations must comply with Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
• Operators must hold a valid UASOC and register each drone with SACAA.
• Maintain flight logs, maintenance records, and incident reports for every drone.
• Drones must remain within visual line of sight (VLOS) unless BVLOS approval is granted.
• Operations near aerodromes (within 10 km), national key points, or above 150 ft require special SACAA approval.

Documentation Checklist:

• UASOC certificate
• Operations Manual (OM)
• Certificate of Registration (C of R)
• Maintenance schedule and logs
• Pilot RPCs and medicals
• Insurance and liability coverage

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Fines, suspension of operations, and possible criminal liability for privacy or safety violations.

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2. Corporate Drone Program South Africa

Topic: This guide covers staffing, training, compliance, and equipment selection. Whether you’re in agriculture, mining, or public safety, we’ll help you build a scalable, SACAA-compliant drone program.

Steps to Launch a Corporate Drone Program:

1. Define Use Case: e.g., surveying, spraying, inspection, or emergency response.
2. Staffing: Hire SACAA-certified RPC holders and designate a Safety Officer.
3. Training: Partner with SACAA-approved ATOs for pilot and BVLOS training.
4. Compliance: Secure a UASOC and register all drones under Part 101.
5. Equipment: Choose drones with appropriate payloads (LiDAR, multispectral, thermal).
6. Insurance: Cover third-party liability and hull damage.

Regulatory Notes:

• All corporate operations must be documented in an Operations Manual.
• BVLOS missions require additional SACAA approval and risk assessments.
• Data collection must comply with POPIA and privacy laws.

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3. Remote Pilot Certificate South Africa

Topic: Discover what’s covered—from theory modules to flight assessments—and how to choose a SACAA-accredited school that fits your goals.

RPC Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Valid Class 3 aviation medical
• English Language Proficiency Level 4+
• Completion of theory modules:
  • Air Law
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation
  • Human Factors
  • Aircraft Technical
  • Flight Planning
  • Radiotelephony

Flight Assessment:

• Practical flight test with multi-rotor or fixed-wing drone
• Oral exam and simulator training
• BVLOS endorsement available post-RPC

Choosing a School:

• Must be a SACAA-approved ATO
• Look for post-training support, BVLOS pathways, and SACAA Designated Examiners

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4. UASOC Drone South Africa

Topic: If you’re flying drones commercially, a UASOC (Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Certificate) is essential. This blog explains who needs it, how to apply, and what documentation SACAA expects. Perfect for startups and consultants entering the drone space.

Who Needs a UASOC:

• Any business offering drone services commercially
• NGOs conducting aerial surveys
• Municipalities using drones for public safety

Application Process:

1. Submit Letter of Intent to SACAA
2. Prepare and submit:
   • Operations Manual
   • Safety Management System
   • Maintenance procedures
   • Proof of insurance
   • RPCs and medicals for all pilots
3. SACAA review and interview
4. Flight demonstration (if required)

Timeline: 6–18 months depending on completeness and SACAA backlog

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5. How to Get Your RPC (Remote Pilot Certificate) South Africa

Topic: Your 2025 guide to earning a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) in South Africa—covering SACAA requirements, medicals, theory exams, and approved training options for commercial drone operations.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose a SACAA-accredited ATO
2. Complete Ground School (5–10 days)
3. Pass 8 Theory Exams:
   • Air Law, Aircraft Technical, Meteorology, Navigation, etc.
4. Undergo Class 3 Medical Exam
5. Complete Practical Flight Training
6. Pass Final Flight Test and Oral Exam
7. Submit RPC Application via ATO to SACAA

Cost Estimate: R35,000–R45,000 depending on provider and endorse6. UASOC vs ASL vs RPC

6. UASOC VS ASL VS RPC

6. Topic: Confused by drone acronyms? We decode UASOC (operator certificate), ASL (air service license), and RPC (pilot certificate)—explaining who needs what and how they fit into SACAA’s regulatory framework.

Acronym	Full Name	Who Needs It	Purpose
RPC	Remote Pilot Certificate	Individual drone pilots	Legal authorization to fly drones commercially
UASOC	Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Certificate	Companies or organizations	Legal authorization to operate a drone business
ASL	Air Service License	Entities transporting goods/passengers	Required for aerial delivery or transport services

Regulatory Framework:

• All three fall under Part 101 of SACAA’s Civil Aviation Regulations.
• UASOC holders must employ RPC-certified pilots.
• ASL is needed for drone cargo or passenger services, even if unmanned.

FAQs Ntsu Aviation

Drone Pilot Training

Q: What drone training programs do you offer?
We offer SACAA-accredited training including RPL (Remote Pilot Licence), BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), Instructor Ratings, and Fixed Wing endorsements.

Q: How long does it take to become a certified drone pilot?
Training duration varies by program. RPL typically takes 6-8 weeks, while advanced ratings may require additional time.

Q: Do you offer training for women or youth?
Yes! Our “Ladies, Own the Sky” initiative empowers women in aviation. We also welcome youth applicants passionate about drone tech.

Q: Is prior aviation experience required to enroll?
No prior experience is needed. Our courses are designed for beginners and professionals alike, with full support throughout.

Q: What kind of drones will I train on?
We use industry-standard platforms like DJI and MMC drones, ensuring hands-on experience with commercial-grade equipment.

Q: Can I train remotely or online?
Theory modules may be offered online, but practical flight training is conducted in person to meet SACAA standards.

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Compliance & Licensing

Q: What is an UASOC and why do I need it?
An ROC (Remote Operator Certificate) is required for commercial drone operations in South Africa. It ensures legal compliance with SACAA regulations.

Q: Can Ntsu help me get my uASOC or ASL?
Absolutely. We specialize in ROC and ASL applications, including Ops Manuals, SMS, BVLOS approvals, and crop spraying permissions.

Q: What happens after I get my UASOC?
We offer ongoing compliance support, including amendments, renewals, and documentation updates to keep your operations SACAA-aligned.

Q: What documents are needed for UASOC application?
You’ll need a business registration, safety management system, operations manual, and proof of qualified personnel. We guide you through every step.

Q: How long does the UASOC approval process take?
It typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on SACAA’s review timeline and the completeness of your documentation.

Q: Can I operate drones commercially without an UASOC?
No. Operating without an ROC is illegal and may result in fines or grounding. Ntsu ensures you’re fully compliant and protected.

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Digital Drone Logbook

Q: What is the DroneLogbook platform?
DroneLogbook is a paperless system that manages flight records, pilot currency, fleet maintenance, and mission planning—all in one place.

Q: Is DroneLogbook SACAA-compliant?
Yes. It meets SACAA standards and simplifies your audit trail for inspections and reporting.

Q: Can I access DroneLogbook on mobile?
Yes, it’s cloud-based and accessible from desktop and mobile devices.

Q: Can DroneLogbook track pilot hours and maintenance?
Absolutely. It automatically logs flight hours, tracks maintenance schedules, and alerts you to upcoming service needs.

Q: Is DroneLogbook suitable for large fleets?
Yes. It’s scalable for individual pilots or enterprise-level operations with multiple drones and teams.

Q: Do you offer training on how to use DroneLogbook?
Yes. We provide onboarding support and tutorials to help you and your team get the most out of the platform.

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Buying a Drone

Q: Do you sell drones and accessories?
Yes. We supply DJI and MMC industrial drones, payloads, spare parts, and accessories—nationwide delivery included.

Q: Can you help me choose the right drone?
Definitely. Our experts match your needs with the best drone for your industry—whether it’s inspection, agriculture, or security.

Q: Do your drones come with training?
We offer bundled packages that include drone purchase, setup, and pilot training.

Q: What industries do your drones support?
Our drones are used in agriculture, mining, security, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.