Do drone pilots have to join SAMMA?

w1z4rd

w1z4rd

Karmic Sangoma
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So I just got a drone (have not flown it) and someone asked if I was familiar with the laws. I thought I was, so I said yes (as I had read this: http://www.caa.co.za/Documents/RPAS/K-12369 CAA RPAS_roll-fold brochureV7_print.pdf )

However, the person mentioned I might have to be a member of SAMMA?

Is this really a requirement? And how can we be expected to join a website that looks like it was done by an epileptic spider on acid? (no seriously, its terrible) http://www.samaa.org.za/

According to their terrible website they are "the delegated national authority over model aviation in South Africa."
 
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Punks is always grumpy about anything that flies :p
Although in this case I have no idea if he is right or not.
 
"Piolets."
Is that now a Nigerian person says pilots?
 
SAMAA is not mandatory for model pilots but is highly recommended as it comes with insurance in the case of accidents ( ie you cause an accident by an out of control aircraft coming down ) and has guidelines and proficiencies.

That being said, last I knew was that SAMAA is for Model aircraft pilots only and does not apply for drones. Also I doubt you will be flying your drone at SAMAA registered fields and airspace.
 
3.4) The CAA recognizes the South African Model Aircraft Association
(SAMAA) as the sole approved and appointed Aviation Recreational
Organization in South Africa, authorised to administer, coordinate and
regulate the operation of Model aircraft flying. The CAA expects SAMAA to
coordinate and control the flying of all Model aircraft to ensure that model
aircraft, when in the air, are not a threat or risk to other users of the land or air
space and that a high standard of safety is followed..

3.5) A model aircraft operated( whether it be a fixed wing , helicopter or glider )
by an member of the SAMAA, is subject to the requirements of the SAMAA
Manual of Procedures as well as to CAA Regulations.

3.6) The operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) is excluded from the
SAMAA brief, as they are not considered recreational model aircraft. UAV’s
are subject to specific sections of the CAA Regulations.
Click to expand...

To my knowledge Drones are considered UAV's. This whole topic is still quite a bone of contention as drone pilots would rather fall under the lesser stringent guidelines of SAMAA than a full CAA license.
 
Kosmik said:
To my knowledge Drones are considered UAV's. This whole topic is still quite a bone of contention as drone pilots would rather fall under the lesser stringent guidelines of SAMAA than a full CAA license.
Click to expand...
The boy has a toy. It's an RC helicopter, not a drone.
 
AntiGanda said:
The boy has a toy. It's an RC helicopter, not a drone.
Click to expand...

Some of the toy drones one can purchase today are as capable of autonomous flight and surveillance as the big boys toys (military/commercial drones).
Yes, they may have less range, payload, etc. but they can still violate privacy laws or cause accidents.
 
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