Drone Laws in Zambia

Last updated on April 15th, 2023 at 07:09 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Zambia

Drone Regulator in Zambia: Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) Please note the website is sometimes not accessible

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Zambia

The Zambian agency responsible for drone safety, ZCAA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying a drone for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Zambia?

According to ZCAA, drones are allowed in Zambia, subject to ZCAA regulations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Zambia:

To legally fly a drone in Zambia, you must obtain a Remote Pilot Aircraft Letter of Approval (RLA), a Certificate of Registration, and an RPAS Pilot’s License (RPL). The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority can provide you with all the necessary documents.

• Drones can fly up to 120 meters in altitude (394 feet). 
• The drone’s altitude cannot exceed that of the highest object within a 300-meter radius. 
• Drones must remain within the pilot’s visual line of sight and cannot fly more than 500 meters horizontally away from the pilot (1,640 feet). 
• In Zambia, drone operators are required to have insurance. 
• Drones are not permitted to fly within a distance of ten kilometers (6.2 miles) of an airport. 
• Drones are not permitted to be flown near sensitive areas, such as nuclear power plants, prisons, police stations, crime scenes, or significant national facilities. 
• On public roads, drones are not permitted to be launched or landed. 
• Nighttime operation of drones is not possible. 
• In Zambia, drones must have a license plate displaying their nationality and registration number. In addition, when a drone exceeds 1.5 kilograms, it cannot be used for private purposes (3.3 pounds).

Drones in Zambia must be identified with a fireproof license plate indicating their nationality and registration number. In addition, the badge must have a white background and be labeled with black letters.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Zambia

Private use of a drone is permitted if it does not exceed 1.5 kilograms in weight or if it does not exceed 7 kilograms in weight but has a maximum kinetic energy of 15 kJ. 

A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher must always be carried with you during a drone flight.

See the general rules above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Zambia

Commercial drone pilots operating in Zambia must possess a ZCAA-issued Remote Pilot License (RPL). To get an RPL, the applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old to obtain an RPL. 
• Possess a medical examination report. 
• Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency
• pass the ZCAA’s required exams.

See the general rules above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Zambia

Here is an example of what is available when flying a drone legally in Zambia…

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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, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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