Towards Strategic Management of Drone Application Process and Regulation in South Africa

Abstract

This paper discusses strategies to improve the application process for drones and Part 101 of the regulations for the approval of applications. Drones have the potential to transform the world by doing things differently and improving technology in the future. The use of drones is growing fast, and the need for control is important for reasons of safety and privacy. A qualitative method of data collection and analysis was used in this study, using the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) as a case study. Telephonic interviews were conducted to collect data from participants and to understand the issues affecting the drone application process. Drone operators were interviewed to collect data on the drone application process and the regulations. The researcher discovered that there were issues affecting the existing drone application and approval processes, such as restrictive regulations, the inclusion of manned aircraft requirements, slow issuing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems operators’ certificates, and the capital needed to enter the drone business. Recommendations are made to improve the drone application and approval processes.

Investigating the Technological Growth of the Drone Industry in South Africa

“…The authors [24] add that fast growth in the use of drones has already created problems for companies that rely on providing drone hardware solutions for their income. The drones carry out their mission by remote control or on autopilot through the controller, in which wireless communication technology is used [4]. The author [4] explains that wireless communication systems that can be used for civilian drones include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wi-fi (wireless fidelity) and the global positioning system (GPS).…”

“…The drones carry out their mission by remote control or on autopilot through the controller, in which wireless communication technology is used [4]. The author [4] explains that wireless communication systems that can be used for civilian drones include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wi-fi (wireless fidelity) and the global positioning system (GPS). This shows that the growth of drones is evolving the software that is needed to communicate with them and the integration of wi-fi that includes GPS.…”

“…There are still difficulties in using drones for commercial purposes, but there are ongoing discussions to improve the situation [4]. Drones are poised to become even more significant as technology evolves and as they are applied in creative ways [5].…”