Drone helicopters can be a hobby or a privacy hazard
Drones and model aircrafts have their advantages, but those that can carry a camera, however, can be misused by their users.
Drones come in a variety of shapes, sizes and capabilities that could greatly improve surveillance for law enforcement and public-safety purposes, whether it’s monitoring forest fires or providing investigation for search-and-rescue operations, determining causes of road fatalities, as well as giving a birds-eye view of landscape for potential construction developments.
The question, however, also exists whether such aircrafts pose a threat to personal privacy and how they can be regulated when used for leisure purposes.
According to Gary Gibson, owner of Grand Prix Models, a hobby shop based in Boksburg, drone helicopters are the most popular items in their shop at the moment.
“We’ve just ordered 50 drones because we ran out of stock. Customers are purchasing the drones for aerial photography, aerial movie shots and also because they are fun and easy to fly.”
Gary says the minimum purchase amount of a drone is R7 000, and the price could go up to R150 000 depending on equipment and programmes built into it.
“To regulate drone helicopter hazard, there should be a law that requires all buyers to register with the South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA), a non-profit organisation.
“They also should not be allowed to purchase without producing a valid license,” he advises.
According to Bob Skinner, GM of the SAMAA, the organisation has 250 club sites countrywide, where the 4 000 members enjoy flying at approved flying sites, subjected to a set of international safety guidelines and rules with qualified pilots.
“Besides jeopardising people’s safety, it’s unethical to use these models to pry and spy. It’s like using binoculars and looking at your neighbours wife,” he jokes.
Bob says that SAMAA encourages aero modellers to fly their models away from people, because these model aircrafts are not toys but are fully functioning miniature aircrafts, which if misused, can cause accidents, serious bodily harm and damage to property.
“We can’t regulate the use of drones and model aircrafts as a national body, because they are easily accessible, and are available at hobby shops, flea markets, and even on the streets,” he says.
