Question 1

Do I need a licence to fly a drone in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

For private, recreational flying you don’t need a licence, but Part 101 rules still apply to where and how you fly. Any commercial use — anything you’re paid for — requires a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) and an authorised operator. The SACAA website carries the full regulations. Our RPC course is the path to the certificate.

Question 2

Where am I not allowed to fly?

Accepted Answer

The main no-fly areas: within 10 km of an airport, in controlled airspace, over people, over public roads, and in national parks. There are more restrictions, and they depend on how you’re operating. Air Law — part of every RPC course — covers exactly where the lines sit and how to check before a flight.

Question 3

What happens if I fly commercially without a licence?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed commercial operation is a serious offence under the Civil Aviation Regulations, carrying fines and potential criminal liability. It can also void insurance and end client relationships. The licensed route costs less than the consequences — and it’s a licence you’ll hold for a career.

Question 4

What is Part 101?

Accepted Answer

Part 101 is the section of South Africa’s Civil Aviation Regulations that governs remotely piloted aircraft — who may fly, where, how high, and what licences and approvals commercial operations need. Every drone flight in South Africa, private or commercial, happens under its rules.

Question 5

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Request a quote and receive a comprehensive breakdown of what it costs with no hidden fees and find it in your inbox within minutes. Once you confirm, we book your seat and send everything you need to start — including access to the e-learning portal if you would like to study at your own pace.

Question 6

What does a drone licence cost?

Accepted Answer

Drone licence fees varies from company to company depending on what is required. Request a quote from us to receive a comprehensive breakdown of what it costs with no hidden fees and find it in your inbox within minutes.

Question 7

Do I need a medical?

Accepted Answer

Not to enrol. The RPC application to SACAA requires a Class 3 aviation medical from a designated examiner, and every ALTUS RPC course arranges it for you — like the radio licence and English assessment. A current Class 3 is needed up front only for BVLOS, instructor ratings and renewals.

Question 8

Where does training happen?

Accepted Answer

Almost all theory — everything except the radio certificate and the English assessment — runs the way that suits you: in class at our Waterfall City classroom in Midrand, online, or through the e-learning portal. Exams are written in the classroom. Flight training happens at Grasslands Flying Club in Centurion — a real airfield, shared with manned aviation. More on both venues.

Question 9

What jobs can I do with a drone licence?

Accepted Answer

Mapping and surveying, agriculture, security and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, and film and television are the biggest employers of remote pilots in South Africa right now. Most of our graduates start in one of these and specialise from there.

Question 10

How long before I can work commercially?

Accepted Answer

The RPC course itself takes 3–4 weeks. To fly commercially you then work under an authorised operator — either joining an existing one or building your own authorisation, which takes longer. We’re honest about that path and help you plan it before you enrol.

Question 11

Can I make drone flying a full-time career?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the South African industry is growing, and full-time remote pilots work across mapping, agriculture, security and film. Specialist ratings raise your earning power: BVLOS opens long-range work, and an instructor rating adds teaching income.

Question 12

I'm already a manned pilot — is there a shortcut?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RPC for Licensed Pilots credits the theory you’ve already passed — and you don’t redo your radio licence or English Language Proficiency. PPL, CPL and ATPL holders typically finish in about two weeks.

Question 13

Should I buy a drone before training?

Accepted Answer

No — train first. Once you know the kind of work you want to do, the right aircraft becomes obvious, and you avoid paying twice. As an authorized DJI reseller we’ll advise you honestly on what fits your plans and budget when the time comes.

Question 14

Do you sell and support DJI equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We’re an authorized DJI reseller: genuine equipment, honest advice on what you actually need, and support after the sale — from the people who taught you to fly it. See equipment.

Question 15

Must my drone be registered?

Accepted Answer

Any drone used commercially must be registered with SACAA before it flies. Purely recreational aircraft don’t carry the same registration requirement, but Part 101’s operating rules still apply. We handle registration guidance as part of training.

Question 16

Can I train on my own drone?

Accepted Answer

No — practical training runs on ALTUS aircraft. Standard training aircraft mean every exercise, fail-safe drill and assessment happens on equipment we maintain and insure for training. Your own drone comes into play after the licence — as an authorized DJI reseller we’ll help you choose the right aircraft once you know the work you’ll do.

Drone training questions, answered

What the law expects of you

Getting started

Where the licence takes you

Aircraft and gear

Still deciding?