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How to get a UASOC in South Africa.

A UAS Operating Certificate lets a company fly drones for money. There are two ways to work under one: fly for a company that holds it, or get your own.

Last checked September 2026. Always confirm the current rules with the SACAA.

Definition

What is a UASOC?

A UAS Operating Certificate is issued by the SACAA under Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. It lets the holder run commercial, corporate or non-profit drone operations. The holder is the operator of record for every flight: it sets the procedures, keeps the records, and makes sure the pilots, drones and insurance are in order.

Before 2023 it was called the RPAS Operator Certificate (ROC). Many schools, job adverts and even some SACAA pages still use the old name.

Who needs one

Do I need my own UASOC?

No. A pilot with a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) can fly paid jobs under a company's UASOC. Most new pilots start this way, because getting your own takes much longer than getting your pilot certificate.

You need your own UASOC only if you want to run your own drone business and be the operator of record for your flights.

Route 1 · The quick route

Fly under a company's UASOC.

The route most new pilots take. You can start flying paid jobs as soon as you have your RPC and a host.

  1. 1

    Get your RPC

    Train at a SACAA-approved school and get your Remote Pilot Certificate, with the medical and radio certificates.

  2. 2

    Find a UASOC holder

    Some companies host freelance pilots and their drones under their certificate, usually for a fee.

  3. 3

    Register and approve your drone

    Each drone needs a SACAA registration and a UAS Letter of Approval, usually arranged through the host's certificate.

  4. 4

    Agree the terms in writing

    Who insures the flight, who keeps the records, what the fee is and which manual you fly by.

Route 2 · Your own certificate

Get your own UASOC: 18 to 24 months.

For companies that want to run their own drone operation. Many applicants use a consultant to write the manuals.

  1. 1

    Set up a South African company

    Commercial drone work also needs an Air Service Licence, and that licence has ownership rules: at least 75% of the voting rights must be held by South African residents.

  2. 2

    Apply for an Air Service Licence

    The Air Service Licensing Council at the Department of Transport issues the licence for commercial air services. Many operators apply while the UASOC is being prepared.

  3. 3

    Write the manuals and name the responsible people

    The SACAA needs an operations manual, a safety management system, a security programme, a maintenance programme and standard operating procedures, plus the people responsible for each.

  4. 4

    Go through SACAA certification

    The SACAA works in five phases: pre-application, formal application, document evaluation, inspection and demonstration, and certification.

  5. 5

    Keep it valid

    Renew the UASOC every 12 months. Keep every pilot certificate, drone approval (UASLA, valid for 12 months) and insurance policy current.

Fly Kiteshot jobs

Have an RPC but no UASOC? Apply anyway.

We are building partnerships with operators who can host pilots on Kiteshot jobs. Hold a UASOC and can host other pilots? Tell us when you apply.

Apply to fly Full licence guide

Questions

UASOC: quick answers.

Sources

Is the ROC the same as the UASOC?
Yes. In 2023 the SACAA renamed the RPAS Operator Certificate (ROC) to the UAS Operating Certificate (UASOC). It is the same certificate under a new name.
Do I need my own UASOC to fly for money?
No. A pilot with an RPC can fly paid jobs under a company's UASOC. Most new pilots start this way.
Can I fly for my own business without a UASOC?
No. Commercial, corporate and non-profit drone operations all need a UASOC. Only private flying with no business purpose does not.
How long does it take to get a UASOC?
Consultants and training schools quote 18 to 24 months from the first application to the certificate.
How long is a UASOC valid?
It is renewed every 12 months, together with the drone approvals and insurance the operation depends on.
What does a UASOC cost?
The SACAA charges fees for the application and the certificate, set out in its published user fees. Many applicants also pay a consultant to write the manuals. Flying under a host's UASOC is usually a monthly or per-job fee.