Can You Fly a Drone on Your Own Farm without a Licence or ROC?

Is it legal to fly a drone on your own farm in South Africa without a licence or ROC?

The answer depends on what you are using the drone for.

Owning the land does not automatically mean every drone flight is exempt from aviation rules. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) distinguishes between private operations and flights connected to commercial, corporate or other activities.

When can you fly without an RPC or UASOC?

SACAA allows certain private operations for personal use, provided there is no commercial outcome,

interest or gain.

These flights must follow specific limits. For example, the drone must be operated within restricted visual line of sight, within 500 metres of the pilot, and be a Class 1A or 1B aircraft weighing less than 7 kg. All agricultural drones fall above these categories , whether you fly on your own farm all agricultural drones need to registered under a UASOC. 

Other restrictions apply. Private operations must not take place within 10 km of an aerodrome, near

manned aircraft, or within 50 metres of people, public roads or property without permission. You may not use a drone during a private operation to release, dispense or drop a substance or object.

Does flying on your own farm count as private use?

Not necessarily. A drone flight may be connected to a farming business even when it takes place on land you own. If the flight supports your farm’s operations or produces a commercial benefit, it may not meet SACAA’s definition of a private operation.

SACAA states that Part 101 applies to commercial, corporate and non-profit operations, as well as private operations. Depending on the operation, requirements may include SACAA approval, aircraft registration and a UAS Operating Certificate (UASOC), also commonly referred to as an ROC. The remote pilot may also need the appropriate Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) and aerial PCO (pest control operator certificate.

What about agricultural spraying?

Spraying is not covered by the private-use allowance described above. SACAA’s private-operation rules prohibit dispensing or releasing a substance from a drone. Agricultural drone operations should therefore be checked against the applicable aviation requirements before work begins.

DC Geomatics | Management review Check before you fly

Before operating a drone on your farm, check the purpose of the flight, the type of drone, the location and the relevant SACAA requirements. If you plan to spray or spread materials, make sure you understand the rules that apply to that operation. Owning the farm does not, on its own, remove SACAA requirements. Check that your drone operation is compliant before take-off.

For current requirements, visit the SACAA UAS information page.