Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Kingdom of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Swaziland’s Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Swaziland
The Swaziland agency responsible for drone safety, SWACAA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Swaziland?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Swaziland:
There are currently no certification standards approved by SWACAA for RPAS/UAV/Drones. While there are local and international activities to develop certification standards for these PAS/UAV/Drones, temporary compliance alternatives are being used.
In the absence of approved certification standards, an applicant must submit a Risk Assessment to SWACAA. In addition, the overall operation specifications should be submitted for each RPAS/UAV/Drone to be issued with an RPAS/UAV/Drone letter of Approval before it is operated. In addition, no RPAS/UAV/Drone will be approved by SWACAA to carry firearms or Dangerous Goods.
Swaziland is in many aspects, especially regarding legislation. Currently, only rules for drones below a weight of 1.5 kilograms can be found.
You need a letter of Approval from the Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA) for possession of such drones. In addition, to bring your drone into the country, an import license from the SWACAA must be obtained.
Address your Letter of intent to the Director-General SWACAA
The application package shall contain the following:
a. RPAS/UAV/Drone name, model, and serial number
b. RPAS/UAV/Drone photo
c. Description of physical characteristics (weight, command, surfaces, landing gear type, aerodynamic configuration, etc.), as detailed as possible
d. RPAS/UAV/Drone remotely piloted station name and model
e. Description of telemetry, launch, and other associated equipment when applicable
f. Description of frequency spectrum used for C2 and payload datalink and the appropriate authorization for its use
g. Description of communication capabilities with ATC and among RPAS/UAV/Drone flight crew
h. Determination if the RPAS/UAV/Drone is intended to be operated within visual line of sight or beyond
i. Description of procedures for loss of C2 datalink and flight termination
j. List of safety checks, including pre-flight check
k. Description of any relevant or unusual aspect in the RPAS/UAV/Drone Operation, if applicable
l. Any other information that SWACAA may require.
PAS/UAV/Drone Company Requirements:
- Aircraft Operating Certificate
- Operation Specifications
- Insurance must cover the activity to be conducted
- Risk Assessment
RPAS/UAV/Drone Flying Crew:
- Current RPAS/UAV/Drone License
- Current Medical
- Ratings
Note for Foreign Operators
If you’re traveling to Swaziland and want to bring your drone, SWACAA lists these special considerations for foreigners who wish to fly drones:
- You must obtain an import license from SWACAA before entering the country with your drone.
- You must obtain a letter of Approval from SWACAA to fly a drone for any purpose in Swaziland.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Swaziland
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Notes for Commercial Drone Services operations in Swaziland
See general rules above
Useful published information on flying drones in Swaziland
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Swaziland…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model aircraft, toy aircraft, Remote controlled aircraft, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
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