Buy a Drone? FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about buying a drone in South Africa, including important legal, technical, and market-related considerations:

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Do I need a license to fly a drone in South Africa?
Yes, depending on the purpose and weight of the drone.

• For recreational use, drones under 7kg don’t require a license but must follow Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules.
• For commercial or business use, you need a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) and registration with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

2. Where can I buy drones in South Africa?
You can purchase drones from:

• Online retailers: Takealot, Droneworld, FirstPersonView, Action Gear
• Physical stores: Makro, Incredible Connection, specialist drone shops
• Second-hand marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, OLX (be cautious of scams)

3. What is the average price of a drone in South Africa?

• Beginner drones: R1,000 – R5,000
• Intermediate drones (with GPS & camera): R6,000 – R15,000
• Professional drones (e.g. DJI Mavic, Phantom): R20,000+
• Enterprise drones (for mapping, agriculture, etc.): R50,000 – R300,000+

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REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE

4. Do I have to register my drone in South Africa?
Yes, all drones over 250g must be registered with the SACAA if used for commercial, corporate, or non-private use.

5. Are there no-fly zones in South Africa?
Yes. No-fly zones include:

• Near airports or airfields
• Over national key points or military bases
• Crowded public areas
• Private property without permission
  Use apps like AirMap or Drone Assist to check restricted zones.

6. What are the basic drone flying rules in South Africa (for hobbyists)?

• Fly below 120m (400ft)
• Keep drone within line of sight
• Do not fly within 50m of people, roads, or buildings
• Do not fly at night without special permission

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TECHNICAL & BUYING TIPS

7. What features should I look for in a drone?

• Camera quality (4K, gimbal)
• Flight time (battery life)
• Range and signal stability
• GPS and return-to-home (RTH)
• Obstacle avoidance (for advanced models)
• Local service/warranty support

8. Are drones covered under warranty in South Africa?
Yes, most new drones come with a 12-month warranty, but coverage may exclude crash damage or water exposure. Always check with the supplier.

9. Can I get drone insurance in South Africa?
Yes. Some insurers and drone-specialist companies offer:

• Liability insurance (for commercial operators)
• Hull insurance (covers the drone itself)

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COMMERCIAL DRONE USE

10. What do I need to use a drone for business in SA?
You will need:

• Remote Pilot Licence (RPL)
• Operator Certificate (ROC)
• Air Service Licence (ASL)
• Drone registered with SACAA

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