Game of drones

Off-roading and action photos go together like a beer and a braai - and what better than a drone to capture the perfect shot? Especially because it allows you to shoot the scene from above. Take note, though: there are strict regulations regarding the use of a drone.

- Cyril Klopper

Your rig takes you to delightful places, and when you get up onto your vehicle’s roof rack with your camera, you get dramatic photos from an unusual angle. You could, however, have taken even better pics if your camera had been, say, 40 m above the ground – something a drone ‘might’ allow you to do... (More on this later.) An aerial photo of your off-roader in the Namib, a secret campsite next to a river or your convoy through the Doodsakker is sure to get likes and shares on social media.

In South Africa, you may use a drone without a pilot’s license or without registering the craft – a nice concession – but unlicensed users with unregistered drones face strict legislation. Drone-friendly countries such as Indonesia, Iceland and Switzerland also allow you to use a drone without a license or registering the drone with a civil aviation authority, but there you enjoy significantly more privileges than on local soil.

So be warned: Not everyone likes your drone, least of all nature conservation, the authorities and your neighbour. Pay attention to the following if you want to take photos and videos with your drone without any trouble.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (or the CAA) distinguishes between three types of radio-controlled aircraft: model aircraft (for hobbyists), toy aircraft (for children) and RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft systems), which is the CAA’s designation for drones.