Latest news with #RemotePilotCertificate
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Flying a drone? Know the law first
When you attend a large public event, you might notice a drone flying over the crowd, however, local drone pilot Dillon Hoffman explains why this is often against regulations. Dillon has over three years of experience in the field of drones, holding a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) as well as certifications in both Safety Management Systems and Quality Management Systems. 'I currently serve as the chief pilot at a production company and regularly do freelance work for various other drone operators who are legally registered under the Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Certificate (UASOC) as required by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA),' he explained. ALSO READ: Drone footage captures a whale of a time! He stated that drone operations in South Africa are governed by Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations, with the SACAA enforcing compliance. Given that anyone can simply purchase a drone, it is essential to know how to fly one safely. Dillon provided some tips: • Be aware of your airspace and its limitations • Remain within visual line of sight (VLOS) • Avoid flying near people, roads, or airports without permission • Conduct pre-flight checks • Always use a device that adheres to safety standards • And very importantly, if you are flying for commercial purposes, you must operate under a UASOC. An RPC alone is insufficient ALSO READ: Sector 8 CPF welcomes newest member – Buzzy the drone! 'Some laws and regulations are often disregarded, including individuals who possess only their RPC and mistakenly believe it legally permits them to fly commercially. 'This is untrue. You must also operate under a UASOC. Many fly for payment or client work while claiming 'personal use'. Others operate drones under 250g and assume this is automatically legal, but they confuse it with rules from the USA. 'Those exceptions do not apply in South Africa. It is also common to fly over people, at night, or without permission on private property,' he explained. He emphasised that individuals should remain aware that they are personally liable for any damage or violations. 'You must understand that 'personal use' does not equate to commercial work. Once compensation or a client is involved, you must fly under a UASOC. The mere fact that a drone is small or under 250g does not grant you the right to operate it anywhere, South African regulations still apply,' he said. ALSO READ: Epic drone save Dillon pointed out that safety issues can arise if someone pilots a drone without adequate knowledge. 'This includes aviation hazards such as collisions with other aircraft and helicopters, injuries to people on the ground, disruption of emergency or police operations, and potential invasion of privacy or accidental violations of laws,' he explained. He noted that when an amateur pilot inadvertently breaks the law, the SACAA investigates complaints and can collaborate with the police or local authorities. Operating without an RPC or outside a UASOC constitutes a legal violation and may result in prosecution. 'You could be fined up to R50 000, face criminal prosecution, or risk losing your equipment and being permanently banned from commercial flights,' he warned. He added that laws are most commonly broken at festivals, beaches, parks, and tourist spots where individuals are unaware of airspace restrictions, including flying over people and property without permission or near airports or helicopter landing zones without permits. ALSO READ: #CITYNEWS – ABSA DRONE SHOW To remain qualified to operate a drone, you should: • Enrol in a SACAA-approved course • Obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate • Work under a company with a UASOC or establish your own with SACAA approval • Complete the necessary Air Law exam, practical assessments, and medical requirements Dillon stated that if you see someone operating a drone illegally, you can report it on to local police, or to municipalities and aviation safety bodies where applicable. 'The future of drones is full of potential, from film and photography to security, agriculture, and disaster management. 'But if we wish to see this technology develop sustainably and safely, we all need to take responsibility. We must collaborate to protect our airspace and ensure operations are conducted according to correct procedures. 'The industry already has a solid framework of rules and standards, and we must hold accountable those operators who violate them. 'Ultimately, it is the legal operators and registered companies who uphold the industry's reputation. We also have an opportunity, along with the SACAA and other stakeholders, to further refine and adapt regulations as technology evolves. 'This is still a young industry, and by working together, we can ensure a safe, professional, and innovative future for drone operations in South Africa,' he concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
At PAU, learn how to fly a drone in 7 days
1 2 3 Ludhiana: As the use of drones is on the rise in many fields, including agriculture, and to meet the increasing need for trained pilots, a special training has begun at Punjab Agricultural University to produce skilled pilots. The week-long training is being conducted by the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering faculty, under the aegis of the Directorate Generate of Civil Aviation ( DGCA ). The DGCA had approved establishment of a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) at the university, and it became the first independent RPTO to be established in Punjab solely by any government organization. The nearly week-long training includes theoretical training , simulator training, practical flight training, Regulatory and safety training and certification required for commercial drone operation in India. This certification serves as proof of their skills and adherence to regulatory standards. The training at PAU is for the rotorcraft category of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the small class, that weight up to 25 kg. "The qualification is matriculation and the age from 18 to 55 years. The course fee is Rs 35,000 excluding GST. The validity of the certificate is 10 years, as per the Drone Rules of 2021 of the Government of India," said a source. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Speaking on the development, Mahesh Kumar Narang, head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering (FMPE), said, "There is a growing demand for skilled remote pilots in the agricultural sector. After obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), certified drone pilots in Punjab can explore numerous career opportunities in both public and private sectors."
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
Is it OK to fly drones on Hilton Head & SC beaches? Here's what FAA & state law says
If you've got a beach trip coming up and want to bring your drone, you might want to think again. As technology continues to advance, drones have dramatically altered the field of aviation. For both recreational and commercial use, drones can be used to shoot videos and photos, transport objects, search and rescue, construction, mapping, surveillance and more. With the broad use of these devices, it's good to know what's what and how you can … and can't use drones. Here is a close look at the federal and state laws for South Carolina drone owners. Drones are permitted in the United States for both recreational and commercial purposes, subject to the Federal Aviation Administration and local regulations. The following list outlines federal drone laws that apply to every state in the US, including South Carolina. If you are flying a drone for commercial or business purposes: You are required to follow the requirements of the FAA's Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which includes passing the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. If you are flying a drone for recreational/hobby purposes: You are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). You are also required to follow the FAA's recreational model aircraft rules. It costs $5 to get it registered. To fly a drone as a government employee (for a police or fire department): You may either operate under the FAA's Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA). For those looking to fly a drone for recreational purposes anywhere in the US, the FAA requires all recreational drone pilots to pass TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test). This is a free online safety test to help flyers understand basic drone safety and regulations. Here is what to know about the exam: Required for U.S. recreational flyers of drones Launched June 2021 by the FAA Takes about 30 minutes to complete No prior drone knowledge needed The test allows unlimited attempts to pass If you want to fly a drone, you must carry proof of test passage when flying. Click here to visit the TRUST webpage and take the test. Here are some additional recreational model aircraft rules from the FAA to keep in mind: Must take and pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying & carry proof of completion. Must register drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (250 grams) at Mark your drone with your registration number. Must fly within visual line of sight and at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace. Cannot fly near airports, emergency response efforts or critical infrastructure. Avoid flying over people, moving vehicles, and sensitive infrastructure. Drone insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists' drone operations. Fly during the day if you're flying for fun or under the FAA's Small UAS Rule. For more information about recreational drone laws, click here. If you are flying a drone for commercial use, different rules apply. To fly commercially, you must: Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA's Part 107 rule. Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge exam. Must comply with Remote ID regulations Have broadcast identification and location information for your aircraft To take the exam, it costs $175 plus an additional $5 drone registration fee, which is valid for three years. For more information on drone setup and operation, visit the FAA Part 107 Guide. According to the FAA, all drone pilots who are required to register or have registered their drone must operate per the rule on Remote ID. Remote ID allows drones that are in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal. It is needed for flyers because it helps the FAA, law enforcement and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly. A remote ID for drones is required for hobbyists and recreational flyers. For more information, you can watch this video from the FAA or click here to learn more. The FAA has a list of restricted airspace and prohibited areas that all drone operators, no matter their location, are prohibited to fly in. These areas include: Flying over people, stadiums, and national parks is generally restricted. No flying when Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for events, emergencies or security reasons. In controlled airspace (near airports), you need authorization via LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or the FAA DroneZone. You cannot fly in restricted or prohibited airspace, such as near military bases or critical infrastructure. Hilton Head Island Drones are allowed on the island but not on the beach. According to town ordinances, 'the driving or operating of any motor vehicle of any kind or nature on the beach within the town' is prohibited, and drones fall into the vehicle category. Under FAA rules, you cannot fly near airports or interfere with manned aircraft operations. This includes the Hilton Head Island Airport, MCAS Beaufort and Frogmore/Beaufort Executive Airport. You also cannot fly over groups of people, public events or emergencies, per FAA. Hunting Island State Park Drone use is prohibited due to safety and visitor experience concerns. Savannah & Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuges No drone flights allowed. Beaufort County & Other Local Municipalities No special drone regulations beyond FAA rules. If you're ever unsure about where you can fly, use the FAA's B4UFLY app to check airspace restrictions. Here are some additional regulations that are applicable for both commercial and recreational drone pilots: Drone operators must be at least 16 years old. Drones with cameras must fly at least 200 feet away from any person, vehicle, building or structure. You must fly your drone at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). All drones must be registered and should not weigh more than 55 pounds. You must be aware of No Drone Zones, Airspace Restrictions and Temporary Flight Restrictions. You must fly within the visual line of sight so that you can see the drone at all times. Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All pilots must operate drones so they don't pose a hazard to people or property. If you see someone flying unsafely or something that poses an immediate threat, you should contact local law enforcement. If a drone is over your property, you cannot shoot it down or provoke damage, as shooting an aircraft is illegal under federal law. It also creates a significant safety hazard to yourself, the pilot or other people and structures around you. If you're curious about the rules for flying drones in a neighborhood area, click here to learn more. For more information on drone safety and use, visit or the FAA Know Before You Fly webpage.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Maryland man faces federal charges for illegally operating drone during Ravens game
Maryland man faces federal charges for illegally operating drone during Ravens game Show Caption Hide Caption Mark Ingram weighs in on Saquon Barkley's incredible season with Eagles Mark Ingram weighs in on Baltimore Ravens coming up short in playoffs, and his partnership with the American Gaming Association. A Maryland man is facing three federal felony charges for illegally operating a drone during a wild-card playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 11. Alex Perez Suarez, a 43-year-old Baltimore native, is accused of flying an unregistered drone above M&T Bank Stadium when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had put in place a temporary flight restriction over the venue, according to an affidavit obtained by USA TODAY reporters. The U.S. Attorney's Office of Maryland described temporary flight restrictions in a press release as a "standard practice for stadiums or sporting venues" with outdoor events. The affidavit also outlined that a temporary flight restriction is typically "in effect one hour before the scheduled start until one hour after the end of a qualifying event." NFL MVP VOTING: Josh Allen over Lamar Jackson? Dan Orlovsky explains why Suarez's drone flew over M&T Bank Stadium during the third quarter of the contest, snapping seven photos of the stadium and allegedly flying 400 feet above the stadium. NFL security temporarily suspended the game because of the drone, causing a brief delay in the action. There is a zero-tolerance policy for any drone or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in the FAA's "No-Drone Zone," according to Maryland's U.S. Attorney's Office. As a result, Suarez is facing three federal charges stemming from Title 49 U.S.C., as outlined in the affidavit. They are as follows: Knowing and willful operation of an unregistered aircraft when that aircraft is required to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration; Knowing and willful operation of an aircraft without an airman's certificate that authorizes the individual to serve in that capacity, when possessing such an airman certificate is required; Knowing or willful violation of national defense airspace. Suarez claimed he had purchased the UAS for recreational purposes but also stated he used it for work. The drone was not registered and investigators said Suarez admitted that he did not possess a Remote Pilot Certificate to operate it. If convicted, Suarez would face a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison for knowingly operating an unregistered UAS and for knowingly serving as an airman without an airman's certificate, per the U.S. Attorney's Office. He would also be subject to a maximum of one year in federal prison for willfully violating United States National Defense Airspace. "We are very serious about temporary flight restrictions," U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron said in a statement. "You will be charged and held accountable for any incursion into restricted airspace, including around sports and entertainment venues such as the Super Bowl."
