Drone & Aviation Legal Services


Aviation Services

Whether you’ve just entered the industry, or been part of it since the Wright brothers, you will know that aviation applications and the adjacent legal processes can be complex, tiresome and technical. Often more so than flying actual aircraft.

Legalese recognises the need for a tailored legal assistance to aviation companies making applications to aviation regulators. With budget considerations and a scarcity of legal experts in the aviation industry, aviation companies often do not have the option to approach a traditional law firm. That’s where we come in. With a client base of over 500 companies and a decade of experience in aviation and related regulations, Legalese offers a complete service offering across all areas of aviation legal processes, applications and renewals.

Drone Regulation Compliance

If you sell, resell, own, operate, or use the services of a machine that flies in our atmosphere, regardless of whether it is commercially, recreationally or anything in between, drone regulations apply to you.

Non-compliance isn’t just a matter of whether or not the authorities will catch you out. Drone operators are already being required to produce operating certificates before being given access to venues and locations, prospective clients are becoming more aware of the ramifications of dealing with unlicensed operators and aviation regulators are starting to follow up on unlicensed operators that appear on their radar.

Should anything actually go wrong with your drone and someone or something is damaged, you’ll be responsible. Operating a drone without a license is just like driving without one. It’s a problem, and when something goes awry, you’re in real trouble.

What do we offer?

1.

ADVICE

We can advise you on:

  • Applicability of aviation legislation to your intended or current operation.
  • Requirements for compliance with applicable legislation
  •  Avoiding criminal prosecution and limiting civil liability

2.

REPORTING

Once we have fully assessed your organisation’s activities, we will provide you with a full compliance report.

3.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

In the event that a finding or grounding order is issued or a general dispute arises with a regulator, we will assist in resolving the matter as promptly and with as little impact as possible.

4.

AUDIT PARTICIPATION

When the time comes for your audit (annual or ad hoc), we will attend the audit with your post-holders to ensure the regulator conducts the audit lawfully and issues findings in line with applicable legislation, in order to avoid baseless findings that slow down your trade, cost you money and interrupt your operations.

5.

DRONE CERTIFICATION

If you elect to follow the responsible route of getting your drone activities compliant, we will:

  • Apply for certification from the Department of Transport (as applicable)
  • Apply for certification from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
  • Compile your standard operating procedures and manual library
  • Register and certify your drone with SACAA
  • Complete the numerous ancillary tasks associated with the process

6.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Additionally, we offer:

  • Aviation labour matters
  • Litigation support
  • Lease agreements
  • Appeals
  • CARCom submissions
  • PAJA execution against the State

SERVICE

TYPE

PRICE

Heliport Licensing

Initial

R30 000.00

Permanent

R5 000.00

Dropzone

Temporary

R1 800.00

Display

R1 800.00

Aviation Advice

Starting at R985.00

(size dependent)

Aviation Compliance Report

Starting at R4 500.00

(size dependent)

Dispute Resolution

Starting at R2 500.00

(size dependent)

Audit Attendance

Starting at R4 500.00

(size dependent)

Drone-specific utilisation advice

R3 000.00

(size dependent)

1All prices are size dependent and are not a final quotation

*excl. VAT