Draft by-law on remotely piloted and model aircraft

GEORGE NEWS - The Community Services Directorate, division Community Safety has developed a new by-law relating to the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Model Aircraft in Public Open Spaces and Streets.

Read about the by-law below and use the opportunity to send comment before 12 June.

What is meant by a model aircraft?

In terms of the by-law a "model aircraft" means a heavier-than-air aircraft of limited dimensions, with or without a propulsion device, unable to carry a human being and to be used for competition, sport or recreational purposes rather than unmanned aeronautical vehicles (UAV) developed for commercial or governmental, scientific, research or military purposes, and not exceeding the specifications as set by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale as more fully described in the Schedule hereto.

Read the full draft by-law, including the Schedule HERE.

Why the by-law?

The municipality has a duty to promote a safe and healthy environment for all its residents and to protect municipal property. The municipality therefore adopts this by-law to regulate and manage the operation of remotely piloted aircraft that is operated from a remote pilot station (drone) and model aircraft in all public places and streets in the municipal area and to regulate behaviour that endangers or is likely to endanger municipal property or members of the public.

The municipality is proposing that an application process [must] be followed to obtain a permit and this process considers the potential impact on bird- or wildlife; safety of users of public places or streets; potential damage to municipal property; noise disturbance; weather conditions; compliance with the Regulations; or any other criteria the municipality may find necessary to consider.

Public participation

Written comments to the intention of the municipality as outlined above, if any, must be lodged via mail to reach Lee-Anne Meiring, Community Safety, PO Box 19, George, 6530 before 12 June 2023; or via e-mail with subject line "Comment to Community Safety By-laws" to lmeiring@george.gov.za and copied to post@george.gov.za.

Any person who is unable to write, can submit their input verbally to the council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Lee-Anne Meiring on 044 801 6350.

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