Game of drones

CCTV Handbook 2016 Surveillance, Conferences & Events

Drones are causing quite a stir in the security industry due to their utility in monitoring and responding to alerts almost immediately. They also enable companies to patrol far larger areas faster and more safely than traditional patrols.

Lisa Emma-Iwuoha.
Lisa Emma-Iwuoha.

In South African law, drones are referred to as Remotely Piloted Aircraft systems (RPAs). There are quite a few laws governing the use of drones for private or commercial use (the laws differ between the private user and the commercial user). Lisa Emma-Iwuoha, an attorney from Michalsons Attorneys joined iLegal 2016 to take on the unenviable task of simplifying the legalities around drones.

Starting off, she explained that drone pilots need a valid RPA pilot’s licence, which is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. To obtain this, the pilot needs to be 18 or older, pass the CAA online theoretical knowledge exam, pass the skills test, complete a medical self-assessment form and be proficient in English.

You can also not fly in bad weather or where your view of the drone is obstructed – although different exemptions cater for this. If you use it for private use, however, you don’t need any of the special classifications or certifications.

Without special permission from the director of Civil Aviation, one is not allowed to fly a drone above a height of 50 metres, or close to a person or people, or a building. If the people are under your control, such as when filming a movie, for example, you can fly above them, and if you have permission you can also approach a building etc. You are also not allowed near or above strategic points, such as nuclear plants, prisons, police stations etc.

South African law says they are not allowed to transport cargo or make deliveries; tow another aircraft, perform aerial displays or fly in formation. Again, this does not apply if you have been granted an exemption.

Drone panel

After Lisa’s short presentation, Dr Craig Donald hosted a panel discussion on drones, where the audience was able to ask the experts any questions related to the technology they might have.

The panel members were:

• Attorney Lisa Emma-Iwuoha,

• Hennie Kieser, EXCO, Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Association of South Africa (CUAASA), and

• Francois Stander, research and resource development, Tshwane Metro Police, City of Tshwane.

The panel was able to expand on the current legalities that affect drone use and explain that any activity using drones for commercial purposes, even it is privately owned, still qualifies as a commercial operation and needs the relevant commercial licence and permissions. They also noted that going through the channels to become an accredited pilot will require a significant investment of both time and money.

For more information, contact Lisa Emma-Iwuoha, lisa@michalsons.co.za, www.michalsons.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Pentagon appointed as Milestone distributor
Elvey Security Technologies News & Events Surveillance
Milestone Systems appointed Pentagon Distribution (an Elvey Group company within the Hudaco Group of Companies) as a distributor. XProtect’s open architecture means no lock-in and the ability to customise the connected video solution that will accomplish the job.

Read more...
Empowering cities with intelligent security solutions
Secutel Technologies Surveillance IoT & Automation
By leveraging advanced AI analytics, real-time data collection, and seamless integration capabilities, cities can address pressing security challenges and create a safer environment for residents.

Read more...
Re-imagining business operations with the power of AI
AI & Data Analytics Surveillance
inq., a Convergence Partners company, has introduced a range of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to assist organisations across industry verticals in optimising business operations and improving internal efficiencies.

Read more...
Eight MP dome for harsh environments
Axis Communications SA Surveillance Products & Solutions
Axis Communications announced a marine-grade stainless steel camera that offers performance in harsh environments. Enclosed in an electropolished stainless steel casing, it can withstand the corrosive effects of seawater and cleaning chemicals.

Read more...
Enhance control rooms with surveillance and intelligence
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Mining (Industry)
Dr Craig Donald advocates the use of intelligence and smart surveillance to assist control rooms in dealing with the challenges of the size and dispersed nature common in all mining environments.

Read more...
Advanced security solution for high-risk areas
Secutel Technologies Surveillance Integrated Solutions
The need for a sophisticated intrusion detection system is paramount when faced with persistent security challenges, particularly in isolated battery rooms or high-risk areas prone to vandalism, cable theft, and battery theft.

Read more...
Hikvision’s top seven trends for the security industry in 2024
Hikvision South Africa News & Events Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
As we embrace technological innovation, and adapt to evolving societal needs, we are witnessing the convergence of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data.

Read more...
inq. SA unveils AI, IoT solutions for the digital age
AI & Data Analytics Surveillance
inq. has announced the launch of an extensive Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and the Edgedock data insights value proposition to transform business operations across various sectors.

Read more...
ONVIF releases first add-on for secure communications
Surveillance Training & Education
ONVIF has released the final version of the TLS Configuration add-on to increase the security of communications between devices and software clients within a physical security system.

Read more...
2024 Trends in Video Surveillance report
Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
AI in video surveillance tops Eagle Eye Networks 2024 trends report; this year’s list also includes affordable professional video monitoring, workplace security upgrades, licence-plate recognition for HOAs, and sustainable security.

Read more...