A drone, which can go by several other names, including remotely piloted aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle, unmanned aircraft, or unmanned aircraft system, is an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. Commercially available drones that are used for recreational purposes typically are powered by batteries, are controlled by a ground-based control device that communicates with the drone by radio, and may have a limited ability to fly without direct inputs from the ground-based operator.

In Zambia, where one can fly a drone depends on the type of flight operation. The ZCAA places a number of restrictions on drones flown for recreational purposes, including not allowing flights above 400 feet (120m) in altitude above the ground, and no recreational drone flights near airports.

There are a number of drone options where the aircraft weighs well under 2.25 kg, yet has relatively sophisticated capabilities such as recording high definition photo and video, GPS navigation, and automated obstacle avoidance. While it is possible and legal to buy drones with a much heavier maximum weight, buying the smallest drone with the capabilities you desire is probably the wisest choice, especially if you are an inexperienced drone pilot or purchasing the drone for a child.

While drones are often marketed and sold as toys, even the smallest of drones require the person flying the drone to be able to manipulate controls while at the same time making decisions about where to maneuver the drone, and being ready to quickly take actions to avoid accidents. Common sense, rather than rules or regulations, should be your guide. If your child can ride a bike in traffic or use a computer or mobile device without supervision, they are also likely able to safely fly a drone.

It depends on what kind of flying that you are doing and where you are doing it. All drone flights through controlled airspace can only happen with the permission of the ZCAA and other the appropriate authority. If a drone is to be used for commercial purposes, whoever is responsible for flying the drone must get an appropriate ZCAA certification for commercial drone pilots. Commercial drone operators who intend to perform flights that deviate from regulations that cover commercial drone operations would have to get a waiver from the ZCAA to do so.

The ZCAA has requirements for drone inspection or certification.

No. Not only is such behavior against ZCAA regulations in the Zambia, it would be highly irresponsible in any part of the world

It depends. As is the case with flying on an airliner, the batteries in the drone or the drone controller may have limitation when it comes to mailing them or shipping them, so it may be a good idea to check before you ship or mail your drone.

In the Zambia, a drone has to stay within visual line of sight of the drone pilot or of anyone who is assisting the drone pilot. Drones flown for fun have to stay lower than 400 feet above ground level. There are exceptions for the height limitations for certain kinds of commercial flight operations.

A very broad question and unfortunately not an easy one to answer as if operation differs entirely from the next and depends on the end product and what is required. For instance, if we are working for a Farmer that might require Vegetation Mapping, the cost would be very different to somebody that requires a quarterly progressional report for a construction development. Which again would differ from a promotional aerial video or image. The best and easiest way for us to assess your project in terms of pricing is to contact us for a free no obligation quote

Just like the old saying “the best camera is the one you have with you” this can apply to camera drones as well, with a few exceptions the best camera drone (for video/photography) will have a stabilising gimbal, a decent flight range, a high resolution 4K and some sort of FPV feature.