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Drone Rules for Polokwane International Airport (PTG)
Polokwane, Limpopo (LP)
• South Africa
N 1, North to Makhado, Gateway St, Polokwane, 0700, South Africa
Lat: -23.8591 • Lng: 29.4533
Rules Edit History: Polokwane International Airport (PTG)
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Old outline is gray. New outline is blue.
May 29, 2026 4:35 AM
Approved
• description, sources links, circle and rules
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Approved
Confidence: 0.99
Your proposed rule edit for Polokwane International Airport has been approved. The submitted source confirms that operating a drone near the airport is a serious federal violation under SACAA regulations, and the outline matches the restricted area.
Sources
- https://publicacoes.decea.mil.br/publicacao/ica-100-40 — As a remote pilot, your legal standing depends on strict adherence to SACAA mandates. Flying near Polokwane Airport is a reckless act that jeopardizes the safety of passengers and flight crews. Unauthorized flights will almost certainly lead to immediate legal action and the permanent loss of your equipment.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Rule category | Ground | Air |
| Flight status | Unknown | NoFly |
| Summary | — | Fly Status: Strictly Prohibited. The Polokwane International Airport (PTG) is a controlled aviation facility. Operating a drone anywhere in its vicinity, particularly within a 10-kilometer radius, is a serious federal violation under the regulations of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). |
Before
After
10km No-Fly Zone: South African aviation law (Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations) mandates a strict 10-kilometer exclusion radius around all airports, aerodromes, and helipads. You cannot operate any drone—regardless of its size—within this perimeter without explicit, written authorization from the SACAA. Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the Civil Aviation Act of 2009. Violating these regulations—especially by flying in controlled airspace or near an airport—can lead to financial penalties of up to R50,000, the permanent seizure of your equipment, and potential criminal prosecution, including imprisonment for up to 10 years for severe endangerment. Operational Requirements: Even in non-restricted areas, you must adhere to the following mandatory safety rules: Distance: Maintain at least 50 meters from people, public roads, moving vehicles, and private property. Altitude: Maximum height is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with your drone at all times. Conditions: Flying is only permitted during daylight hours and in clear weather. How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful Do Not Fly Near PTG: The airport and its approach/departure corridors are monitored. Any drone detected in this airspace will be treated as a security threat, resulting in immediate intervention by security forces. Verify Airspace: Before any flight in the Polokwane area, consult the SACAA UAS portal. You should assume that the majority of urban Polokwane falls within or near restricted airspace. Respect Privacy: South Africa’s POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) is strictly enforced. Avoid capturing images of people or private property without consent, as this can lead to civil litigation. Professional Conduct: For commercial projects, you must hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) and an RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC). Without these, you are restricted to private recreational use in non-controlled zones only.
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+ 10km No-Fly Zone: South African aviation law (Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations) mandates a strict 10-kilometer exclusion radius around all airports, aerodromes, and helipads. You cannot operate any drone—regardless of its size—within this perimeter without explicit, written authorization from the SACAA. + + Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the Civil Aviation Act of 2009. Violating these regulations—especially by flying in controlled airspace or near an airport—can lead to financial penalties of up to R50,000, the permanent seizure of your equipment, and potential criminal prosecution, including imprisonment for up to 10 years for severe endangerment. + + Operational Requirements: Even in non-restricted areas, you must adhere to the following mandatory safety rules: + + Distance: Maintain at least 50 meters from people, public roads, moving vehicles, and private property. + + Altitude: Maximum height is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. + + Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with your drone at all times. + + Conditions: Flying is only permitted during daylight hours and in clear weather. + + How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful + Do Not Fly Near PTG: The airport and its approach/departure corridors are monitored. Any drone detected in this airspace will be treated as a security threat, resulting in immediate intervention by security forces. + + Verify Airspace: Before any flight in the Polokwane area, consult the SACAA UAS portal. You should assume that the majority of urban Polokwane falls within or near restricted airspace. + + Respect Privacy: South Africa’s POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) is strictly enforced. Avoid capturing images of people or private property without consent, as this can lead to civil litigation. + + Professional Conduct: For commercial projects, you must hold a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) and an RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC). Without these, you are restricted to private recreational use in non-controlled zones only.