Drone Pilot Schools in South Africa

These schools train drone pilots in South Africa, from first flights to commercial work. Programs, schedules, and pricing change often, so contact each school directly for current details.

13 schools listed
How to become a pilot

The credential is called a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL), categorized by aircraft class: aeroplane, helicopter, or multirotor, and further split by visual-line-of-sight or beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Applicants must be 18 or older, hold a valid medical certificate, and demonstrate English language proficiency at level 4 or higher. Training combines competency-based theory and practical instruction, with a 75 percent pass threshold, followed by a practical assessment and a radiotelephony exam; the training organization then applies to SACAA for issuance.

The licence is valid 24 months, and pilots who already hold a manned, military, or air-traffic-control licence receive credit toward the requirements.

Regulator
SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) ↗ CAR Part 101
About the regulation

Civil drone operation in South Africa is regulated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) under Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Individual pilots go through an SACAA-approved training organization, and dozens of ATOs are approved nationwide.

Confirm current requirements on the authority's official site before you enroll or fly.

This page is for general orientation and may not reflect the latest regulatory changes. It is not legal advice: confirm current rules, fees, and permitted zones with your country's civil aviation authority before you fly.

A listing in this directory is not an endorsement, accreditation, or certification of any school, and does not indicate affiliation with or vetting by us. Confirm a school's credentials and authorizations directly with the school and the relevant authority.

Schools

Other countries in Africa

List your school

If you run a drone training program anywhere in Africa, we would like to include it. Send us the school name, website, and a short description; listing is free.

Email partners@neblihq.com

Already certified?

Hover gives your clients a live view of every flight you fly for them. One link in the browser, nothing to install.

See Hover for operators