The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued the first pilot's licence for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), more commonly referred to as drones.
Nicole Swart, a CAA testing standards officer, was handed the licence last week by director of civil aviation, Poppy Khoza, two weeks after drones were integrated into the South African civil aviation airspace following the introduction of regulations on 1 July.
South Africa is one of a few countries around the world to have introduced comprehensive regulations to guide RPAS operations, says Khoza.
The 23-year-old is also a holder of the highest pilot's licence, the Airline Transport Pilot's Licence.
"I am thrilled by the honour to be one of the pioneers in this field. It was important for me to get an RPAS pilot's licence, as I believe technology is advancing rapidly and in the near future this mode of transport will be as common and necessary as cellular phones are in this era," says Swart.
Khoza says the number of applications received for commercial operations was far less than anticipated.
The regulations apply to both hobbyists and commercial users. However, commercial users are required to obtain a pilot licence, operator's certificate, a letter of approval, and register the drone with the CAA.
Traditionally, drones were used primarily in military operations. More recent uses include conservation efforts, aerial surveillance, scientific research, journalism, and many other commercial and non-commercial activities.
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