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LEGAL DRONE USE IN SOUTH AFRICA

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HWLS is pleased to notify our clients that we are now legally compliant with SA Civil Aviation (SACAA) Laws and Regulations when it comes to drone operations for surveying and aerial photography.

Mike Trenor is the company’s first qualified Drone Pilot with a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL).

Obtaining the licence entailed studying and passing exams in air law and regulations, especially pertaining to the operation of drones (Part 101 of the SACAA Regulations).

Our Mavic2Pro drone is now licensed with SACAA and proudly bears the call-sign Zulu Tango – Yankee Mike Alpha.

We are operating under the Part 101 Operating Certificate of Drone Systems Africa (Pty)Ltd (ROC No CAA/G1500D).

So, what does this all really mean…?

  1. All survey flights will be undertaken with the necessary permissions and clearances in place (This is not as onerous as it sounds, and does mean that we have to check if we are operating on controlled airspace, for example)
  2. The emphasis is firmly on the safe operation of the drone, with respect to both ground (People and Assets) and air (Low flying helicopters etc)
  3. A large degree of responsibility and liability is removed from us (the operator) and you (the client) should something unfortunate happen.

Lastly, BEWARE unlicensed drone operators! They are flouting the safe and legal operation of drones, with potentially devastating results, and you, the contracting client/customer may well be at risk…..

Letter from Harald

Gerhard du Preez

Dear Clients, Consultants, and fellow Professionals,

In 1984 I established Harald Wattrus Land Surveyors. At inception, like most Land Surveying Practices, I was a “one man band“, but soon realised that to offer a professional service, reliable staff and partners were needed. And so the Practice grew, based on sound principles of service and accuracy.

After nearly 38 years in the business, and with my family primarily resident in USA, it is necessary for me to put a succession plan in place for my eventual retirement.

Three years ago, I was joined by my current Partner, Mike Trenor, who most of you know by now. In that short time the world, as we knew it, has changed, but the Practice has come through and adapted, with the same principles of service and accuracy firmly in place.

I am pleased to announce that Gerhard du Preez has joined Mike in the Practice, and I will be acting in a Consulting role for the foreseeable future, to smooth the transition.

Gerhard brings a wealth of technical and managerial skills (and new energy) to HL Wattrus Land Surveyors. I have every confidence that Gerhard and Mike will take the Practice forward from the foundation that I have built up.

It is with mixed emotions that I begin to step aside from this 38-year Project, and I would like to thank each of you for making the journey so interesting and rewarding.

Sincerely, Harald