I have always been fascinated by drones. Probably it is because I once wanted to become a pilot. In fact, after my Advanced Level in high school I got a place as a trainee pilot in the Airforce of Zimbabwe. I later reconsidered and opted to go to varsity instead – story for another day. Drones are only now slowly becoming a thing in Zimbabwe.
Core Uses Or Applications Of Drones
There are many things drones are now used for. Of course there are military applications but that is not my focus here. Drones can be used for surveillance and monitoring traffic. They can also be used to monitor the weather or fields in commercial agriculture. Photography and videography are also areas in which drones are doing wonders.
Regulatory Aspects On Drone Use In Zimbabwe
You have to appreciate there are two basic types of drone uses or applications. There are recreational & commercial uses. The authority that oversees all of this is the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ). They both regulate and license the commercial use of drones in Zimbabwe. Some of the basic regulatory aspects to know are:
Maximum altitude permitted is 120 metres. Maximum distance permitted from pilot is 500 metres. That can be double only under special permission and with a qualified observer involved.
Drone use at night requires CAAZ approval.
Where To Get A Drone Pilot License In Zimbabwe
There is a CAAZ certified training school called Precision Drone Training. They provide the following courses and training:
Remote Pilot License (RPL)
This is the entry-level into commercial drone piloting. This is a 9-day full time course comprising 4 days of theory and 5 days of practical flight training. Minimum age of entry is 18 years and a minimum of an O’ Level certificate. The average cost of this license is US$1700. That is inclusive of the training fee and the other items such as CAAZ exam fee, CAAZ license application fee, medical exam, and transport during the training.
Industry-Specific Training
Once you have the RPL license you become eligible for advanced courses in industry-specific training. Some of them are:
Aerial Mapping and Data Processing
Drones in Aerial Cinematography, Journalism, and Media
Drones in Agriculture (Crop Mapping)
Drone Inspections (Construction, Powerlines, Railways, Utilities)
Drones in Mining
Drones for Security and Surveillance
Drones in Disaster Management
Drones in Public Healthcare and Delivery
Drones in Conservation and Wildlife Management
These ones cost from US$300 to US$1000 depending on the one you choose.
For more information on Precision Drone Training, you can call or WhatsApp on +263 719 489 139. You can also email on info@dronetraining.co.zw. Their website is www.dronetraining.co.zw. Their offices are at 170 The Chase, Groombridge in Harare.
Author: Clive Masarakufa
