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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SACAA RPL (Drone) Exam

75%

Passing Threshold

SACAA CAR Part 101

400 ft AGL

Standard Ceiling Limit

CAR 101.05.2

50 m

Proximity Limit to People

CAR 101.05.14

R425–R450

Exam Sitting Fee

SACAA Fee Schedule 2026

Class 4

Medical Certificate

SA-CATS 101 / CAR 101

Part 101

Governing Regulation

South African Civil Aviation Regulations

The SACAA RPL theory exam tests candidate knowledge on Part 101 drone regulations, RLA/ROC certification, operating limits (400ft AGL, 50m people proximity), LiPo battery care, C2 link loss fail-safes (RTH), controlled airspace procedures, and weather hazards with a 75% pass standard.

Sample SACAA RPL (Drone) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SACAA RPL (Drone) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under SACAA CAR Part 101, what is the standard maximum operating altitude (ceiling) for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operating under Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) without specific authorization?

A.200 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)

B.400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)

C.500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)

D.1,000 feet Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL)

Explanation: SACAA CAR Part 101.05.2 establishes that standard Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations must be conducted at or below 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). Exceeding 400 ft AGL requires specific approval in the operator's Remote Operating Certificate (ROC) and approval from Air Traffic Control if in controlled airspace.

2What is the minimum standard horizontal distance an RPAS must maintain from any non-controlled person, structure, or public road under SACAA Part 101 without special permission?

A.10 metres

B.30 metres

C.50 metres

D.150 metres

Explanation: According to SACAA CAR Part 101.05.14, no RPAS may be operated within 50 metres horizontally of any person, structure, or public road not under the direct control of the RPAS operator, unless specifically authorized under a Remote Operating Certificate (ROC) with an approved Risk Assessment.

3Which SACAA document certifies the airworthiness, design, and structural build compliance of a specific model of RPAS for commercial operations in South Africa?

A.Remote Operating Certificate (ROC)

B.RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA)

C.Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA)

D.RPAS Maintenance Technician Licence (RMT)

Explanation: An RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA) is issued by the SACAA Director of Civil Aviation to confirm that a specific RPAS design, build, and configuration meets safety and technical standards under CAR Part 101. No RPAS may be operated commercially without a valid RLA.

4What certificate must a company or organization hold from SACAA before conducting commercial RPAS operations in South Africa?

A.Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

B.Remote Operating Certificate (ROC)

C.RPAS Letter of Authorization (RLA)

D.Aviation Training Organisation Certificate (ATO)

Explanation: Commercial RPAS operations require a Remote Operating Certificate (ROC) issued under SACAA CAR Part 101 Subpart 4. The ROC details approved operational types, risk management procedures, and designated key personnel including the Accountable Manager and Safety Manager.

5Who is legally authorized to sign off major repairs and modifications on an RPAS registered under a South African ROC?

A.Any Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) holder

B.A licensed RPAS Maintenance Technician (RMT) or approved manufacturer representative

C.The Chief Flight Instructor (CFI) of an accredited ATO

D.The Safety Officer of the operating company

Explanation: Under SACAA Part 101 Subpart 6, maintenance beyond basic pilot pre-flight checks and routine battery/propeller swaps must be conducted and certified by an RPAS Maintenance Technician (RMT) holding the appropriate ratings or an authorized maintenance organization.

6What is the minimum age required to be issued a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) by SACAA under Part 101?

A.16 years

B.17 years

C.18 years

D.21 years

Explanation: CAR Part 101.03.2 specifies that an applicant for an RPL must be at least 18 years of age. (Note that Student Remote Pilot Licences can be issued earlier for training under supervision, but full RPL issuance requires age 18).

7What class of aviation medical certificate is the minimum regulatory requirement to hold a valid SACAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL)?

A.Class 1 Medical Certificate

B.Class 2 Medical Certificate

C.Class 3 Medical Certificate

D.Class 4 Medical Certificate

Explanation: SA-CATS 101 and CAR 101.03.2 specify that an RPL holder must hold at least a valid Class 4 Medical Certificate issued by a SACAA-approved aviation medical examiner. Higher classes (Class 1 or 2) are also accepted.

8Under SACAA Part 101, what is the maximum lateral (horizontal) distance permitted for standard Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations without specialized observers or equipment?

A.300 metres

B.500 metres

C.1,000 metres

D.2,000 metres

Explanation: Standard VLOS under SACAA Part 101 is defined as direct visual contact maintained by the remote pilot without aid (other than corrective lenses) up to a maximum distance of 500 metres from the remote pilot.

9Unless approved under an ROC with ATC permission, what is the standard minimum distance an RPAS must stay away from an aerodrome (airport/airfield) boundary?

A.2 kilometres (approx. 1.0 NM)

B.5 kilometres (approx. 2.7 NM)

C.10 kilometres (approx. 5.4 NM)

D.15 kilometres (approx. 8.1 NM)

Explanation: SACAA CAR Part 101.05.10 restricts RPAS operations within 10 km (approximately 5 nautical miles) of an aerodrome reference point or aerodrome boundary, unless authorized by Air Traffic Control (ATC) or the aerodrome operator.

10According to SACAA RPAS classification, a multirotor aircraft with a Maximum Take-Off Mass (MTOM) of 4.5 kg falls under which weight category?

A.Class 1 (MTOM < 1.5 kg)

B.Class 2 (1.5 kg ≤ MTOM < 7 kg)

C.Class 3 (7 kg ≤ MTOM < 20 kg)

D.Class 4 (20 kg ≤ MTOM < 150 kg)

Explanation: Under SACAA Part 101.01.2 classification table, Class 1 covers RPAS under 1.5 kg, Class 2 covers RPAS from 1.5 kg up to less than 7 kg. Therefore, a 4.5 kg multirotor is a Class 2 RPAS.

About the SACAA RPL (Drone) Exam

The SACAA Remote Pilot Licence (RPL/Drone) Theoretical Knowledge Examination assesses a candidate's understanding of South African Civil Aviation Regulations Part 101 and SA-CATS 101. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in RPAS legal requirements (RLA, ROC, RMT), flight planning, 400ft ceiling and 50m proximity rules, C2 link fail-safe protocols, LiPo battery chemistry and safety, controlled airspace permissions, multirotor aerodynamics, meteorology, and human performance limits.

Assessment

Approximately 30–50 multiple-choice questions covering Part 101 RPAS Regulations (30%), Technical & Battery Systems (25%), Airspace & C2 Link Operations (25%), and Meteorology & Human Factors (20%).

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

Approximately R425–R450 per subject sitting (South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA))

SACAA RPL (Drone) Exam Content Outline

30%

SACAA Part 101 RPAS Regulations and Operating Rules

South African CAR Part 101 legal framework, RLA (RPAS Letter of Approval), ROC (Remote Operating Certificate), RMT (RPAS Maintenance Technician), RPL licensing, operating limits, 400ft ceiling, 50m proximity rules, and aerodrome separation.

25%

RPAS Technical, Multirotor Aerodynamics and Battery Systems

Multirotor flight mechanics, pitch/roll/yaw control, Vortex Ring State (VRS), LiPo battery chemistry, C-ratings, nominal (3.7V) and storage (3.85V) cell voltages, thermal runaway, balanced charging, and hardware maintenance schedules.

25%

Airspace, Navigation, C2 Link Safety and Flight Operations

Airspace classification (Class A–G), controlled airspace permissions, NOTAMs, aeronautical charts, Command & Control (C2) link loss, 2.4/5.8 GHz ISM frequencies, automated fail-safes (RTH), geofencing, and site risk assessments.

20%

RPAS Meteorology, Human Factors and Emergency Procedures

Density altitude effects on lift and battery, wind shear, microbursts, convective turbulence, Class 4 medical requirements, spatial disorientation, fatigue, crew resource management (CRM), and emergency forced landing procedures.

How to Pass the SACAA RPL (Drone) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Assessment: Approximately 30–50 multiple-choice questions covering Part 101 RPAS Regulations (30%), Technical & Battery Systems (25%), Airspace & C2 Link Operations (25%), and Meteorology & Human Factors (20%).
Time limit: 60 minutes
Exam fee: Approximately R425–R450 per subject sitting

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SACAA RPL (Drone) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize key numerical limits in Part 101: 400 ft AGL maximum ceiling, 500 m maximum VLOS distance, 50 m minimum distance from people/structures, 10 km (5 NM) distance from aerodromes without authorization, and 75% pass mark.

2Understand LiPo battery specifications thoroughly: 3.7V nominal cell voltage, 4.2V max charge, 3.85V storage charge, C-rating discharge formula, and thermal runaway prevention.

3Know the distinct roles of RLA (aircraft airworthiness approval), ROC (company operating certificate), RMT (maintenance technician approval), and RPL (pilot licence).

4Master C2 link emergency procedures: lost link timers, Return to Home (RTH) altitude setting relative to terrain and obstacles, and geofencing limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass mark for the SACAA RPL drone theory examination?

The pass mark is 75%, as specified under SACAA CAR Part 101 for remote pilot licensing examinations.

What key documents are required to operate a commercial RPAS in South Africa?

Commercial RPAS operations require a valid Remote Pilot Licence (RPL), a Remote Operating Certificate (ROC) for the operator, an RPAS Letter of Approval (RLA) for each drone, and a licensed RPAS Maintenance Technician (RMT) or approved maintenance system.

What are the standard altitude and horizontal distance limits for VLOS under Part 101?

Under standard Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), an RPAS must not be operated higher than 400 feet above ground level (AGL) and within 500 metres lateral distance from the remote pilot, while maintaining a minimum horizontal clearance of 50 metres from non-controlled people, structures, and public roads.

What medical certificate is required for a South African Remote Pilot Licence?

A candidate must hold a valid SACAA Class 4 Aviation Medical Certificate (or a higher class such as Class 1 or Class 2 medical).

100+ Free SACAA RPL (Drone) Practice Questions

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