Johannesburg: The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is set to clamp down on the illegal flying of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, in civil airspace.
According to a statement sent out by SACAA, the move was prompted by recent reports of UAS already operating in the South African civil aviation airspace. “Until regulations have been put in place, anyone caught operating a UAS could face fines of up to R50,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to 10 years,” the statement read.
“The fact is that the SACAA has not given any concession or approval to any organisation, individual, institution or government entity to operate UAS within the civil aviation airspace. Those that are flying any type of unmanned aircraft are doing so illegally; and as the regulator we cannot condone any form of blatant disregard of applicable rules,” said Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation.
Source: News24
