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Drone Rules for Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape (EC)
• South Africa
Allister Miller Dr, Walmer, Gqeberha, 6070, South Africa
Lat: -33.9873 • Lng: 25.6143
Rules Edit History: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
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Mapped shape change
Old outline is gray. New outline is blue.
May 29, 2026 4:30 AM
Approved
• description, sources links, box and rules
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Approved
Confidence: 0.99
Your proposed rule edit for Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport has been approved. The submitted source confirms that operating a drone within 10 km of an aerodrome without SACAA authorization is prohibited, and the outline matches the restricted area.
Sources
- https://publicacoes.decea.mil.br/publicacao/ica-100-40 — As a remote pilot, your reputation and legal status depend on strict adherence to SACAA mandates. Flying near the Port Elizabeth airport is a reckless act; you risk the lives of passengers and will almost certainly face immediate legal action, permanent seizure of your equipment, and potential criminal prosecution.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Rule category | Ground | Air |
| Flight status | Unknown | NoFly |
| Summary | — | Fly Status: Strictly Prohibited. The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is a busy commercial airport. Operating a drone anywhere in its vicinity is a serious federal violation. |
Before
After
10km No-Fly Zone: South African aviation law (Part 101) mandates a strict 10-kilometer exclusion radius around all airports, aerodromes, and helipads. You may not operate a drone within this 10km zone without explicit, written authorization from the SACAA. Legal Framework: Drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft/RPA) are treated similarly to conventional aircraft. Operations are governed by the SACAA Part 101 regulations. Violating these rules can lead to financial penalties of up to R50,000 and potential criminal prosecution under the South African Civil Aviation Act. Operational Requirements: Even in permitted areas, you must adhere to the following:Distance: Maintain at least 50 meters from people, public roads, vehicles, and private property (unless you have explicit permission from the owner). Altitude: Maximum height is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. Line of Sight: You must maintain direct visual contact with your drone at all times (unaided by screens or cameras).Environment: Flying is permitted only during daylight hours and in clear weather conditions. How to be "Socially Accepted" and LawfulDo Not Fly Near PLZ: The airport and its approach paths are monitored. Any drone detected in this airspace will be flagged as a security threat, likely resulting in immediate police or aviation authority intervention.Verify Airspace: Always check if your planned location is within the 10km radius of the airport or any other local airfields. Given the geography of Gqeberha, a significant portion of the city falls within the controlled airspace of PLZ.Respect Privacy: South Africa has strict privacy laws (POPIA). Never capture footage of individuals or private property without consent, as this can lead to civil litigation regardless of your compliance with aviation rules. Use Approved Clubs: For recreational flying, the safest and most compliant option is to join a SAAMA-approved model aircraft flying field. These are officially designated, safe environments where you can fly without infringing on restricted airspace.
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+ 10km No-Fly Zone: South African aviation law (Part 101) mandates a strict 10-kilometer exclusion radius around all airports, aerodromes, and helipads. You may not operate a drone within this 10km zone without explicit, written authorization from the SACAA. Legal Framework: Drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft/RPA) are treated similarly to conventional aircraft. Operations are governed by the SACAA Part 101 regulations. Violating these rules can lead to financial penalties of up to R50,000 and potential criminal prosecution under the South African Civil Aviation Act. Operational Requirements: Even in permitted areas, you must adhere to the following:Distance: Maintain at least 50 meters from people, public roads, vehicles, and private property (unless you have explicit permission from the owner). Altitude: Maximum height is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. Line of Sight: You must maintain direct visual contact with your drone at all times (unaided by screens or cameras).Environment: Flying is permitted only during daylight hours and in clear weather conditions. How to be "Socially Accepted" and LawfulDo Not Fly Near PLZ: The airport and its approach paths are monitored. Any drone detected in this airspace will be flagged as a security threat, likely resulting in immediate police or aviation authority intervention.Verify Airspace: Always check if your planned location is within the 10km radius of the airport or any other local airfields. Given the geography of Gqeberha, a significant portion of the city falls within the controlled airspace of PLZ.Respect Privacy: South Africa has strict privacy laws (POPIA). Never capture footage of individuals or private property without consent, as this can lead to civil litigation regardless of your compliance with aviation rules. Use Approved Clubs: For recreational flying, the safest and most compliant option is to join a SAAMA-approved model aircraft flying field. These are officially designated, safe environments where you can fly without infringing on restricted airspace.