Comparative review of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) regulation in South Africa to international civil aviation organisation (ICAO) model UAS regulations in promoting business and research

Abstract

Civil Aviation Act No. 13 of 2009 is the principal legislation concerning civil aviation in South Africa read with Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944 and other conventions and agreements as more fully provided as schedules to the Civil Aviation Act. Eighth Amendment of Civil Aviation Regulations, 2015 were published as regulations on UAS in terms of section 155(1)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2009. The ICAO published Model UAS Regulations Part 101, Part 102 and Part 149 on 23 June 2020 as examples member states may consider for implementation to regulate the operations of UAS. The ICAO published advisory circulars in addition to the ICAO Model UAS Regulations. It further recommended Canada AC 922-001, RPAS Safety Assurance to member states as an example of performance-based criteria. This study reflects on Part 101 of Civil Aviation Regulations as against the abovementioned ICAO documents regarding the impact in promoting business and research.