malvernmugadzikwa
Sharon Masocha
THE Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has licensed over 400 drone pilots and certified more than 15 companies to use drone technology.
There is growing interest in the application of drone technology across various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, healthcare, construction and mining.
CAAZ senior flight operations inspector Mr Alex Chiduwa told The Sunday Mail that obtaining a remote pilot’s licence requires individuals to undergo training at an approved facility.
“CAAZ has licensed over 400 drone pilots and certified over 15 companies to use drones.
“To obtain a drone licence in Zimbabwe, aspiring pilots must follow a structured process. At the moment, there are three approved training schools in Harare. First, they need to enrol in an approved training school that offers courses on drone operation.
“These schools must meet the standards set by CAAZ, which ensures that the training aligns with the international guidelines.”
He said once enrolled, students must undergo theoretical training and pass an examination conducted by a CAAZ inspector.
“Even if you want to use a drone for recreational purposes, you must have a licence. This requirement applies to all categories of drone operations, including private, corporate, commercial and non-profit uses. All operators must register their drones and obtain a pilot licence,” Mr Chiduwa added.
A remotely piloted aircraft systems operator certificate is a requirement for Commercial, Corporate and Non-profit operations.
This certificate, Mr Chiduwa explained, ensures that operators are qualified to conduct drone operations for business or profit.
“The key is to understand that, while the technology is exciting, safety and compliance are paramount. Being licensed is not just a formality, it is about ensuring that we operate within the law and maintain safety in our airspace.’’
As the use of drones has continued to rise in Zimbabwe, the country has seen an influx of illegal drone operations and retailers selling unmanned aerial vehicles without the necessary documentation.
Mr Chiduwa underscored the importance of adhering to the law.
“Section 55 [Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulation] clearly outlines the penalties for those who contravene regulations, including fines and potential imprisonment. It is crucial for everyone to understand that ignorance of the law is not a defence.’’
Section 31 of the same regulations also states that no remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated in controlled airspace, except by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate, and as approved by the authority.
Mr Chiduwa added: “I have been called by the police more than 10 times to clarify situations where operators have been caught without the necessary documentation. We guide them through the process, ensuring they know what to look for in terms of compliance.”
Drone technology is widely used in agriculture to map farms, spray crops and perform other activities to boost productivity. It is also used for surveillance and recreation, as well as in mining and tourism, among other areas and activities.
Online Reporter