Seven equal horizontal bands of green representing agriculture (top), yellow representing mineral wealth, red representing the blood shed to achieve independence, black representing the native people, red, yellow, and green with a white isosceles triangle edged in black with its base on the hoist side. A yellow Zimbabwe bird representing the long history of the country is superimposed on a red 5-pointed star in the center of the triangle, which symbolizes peace.

Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Google Earth

Frolicking lions in a reserve in Harare.

Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Government

According to Britannica, Zimbabwe’s first constitution, which was written in London during September-December 1979 and which took effect at independence on April 18, 1980, secured majority rule for Zimbabweans. Under the constitution, white voters, registered on a separate roll, elected 20 of the 100 members of the House of Assembly. Although these members could not veto constitutional amendments, a unanimous vote was required during the first 10 years to alter the Declaration of Rights component of the constitution, which stipulated (among other matters) that, if land was acquired for settlement schemes, there must be “prompt payment of adequate compensation…remittable within a reasonable time to any country outside Zimbabwe.” The British insisted that there be a constitutional head of state, a president elected by the House of Assembly, and an executive prime minister and that citizenship of Zimbabwe be automatically available to anyone who was (or had the qualifications to be) a citizen of Rhodesia immediately before independence. In 1987 the office of prime minister was eliminated, with executive power instead being vested solely in the president, and additional constitutional amendments throughout the years served to strengthen the role of the president. Also in 1987 the practice of setting aside legislative seats elected from the white roll ended, and white voters were incorporated into the common roll.

The former Senate of 40 members was abolished with a constitutional amendment in 1990, and 50 members were added to the House of Assembly. The Senate was later reinstated in 2005. An amendment act passed in 2007 and effective with the 2008 elections increased the number of seats in both the House and the Senate and altered the allocation of seats. In 2009 the constitution was amended to provide for the creation of a coalition government via the terms of the 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA), which attempted to end a political crisis in Zimbabwe. The structure of the executive branch was altered, allowing for the creation of a prime minister post and the creation of two deputy prime minister posts.

The GPA also provided for the drafting of a new constitution, which, after some delay, was completed in early 2013. The draft contained many changes from the previous constitution, including a stronger parliament, the introduction of presidential term limits, the elimination of presidential immunity from prosecution after leaving office, the abolition of the prime minister post, and a devolution of power. The new constitution was passed via referendum on March 16, 2013, and signed into law on May 22, 2013.

Under the 2013 constitution, Zimbabwe is a unitary republic. The head of state and government is the president, who is elected to a 5-year term; the president can serve no more than 2 terms. The president is assisted by 2 vice presidents. The parliament consists of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly normally has 210 members, all of whom are directly elected. For the first 2 parliaments elected after the promulgation of the 2013 constitution, however, the National Assembly has 270 seats, with the 60 additional seats reserved for women, 6 from each of the 8 provinces and the 2 cities with provincial status, elected through a system of proportional representation. The Senate comprises 80 members: 60 (6 from each of the 8 provinces and the 2 cities with provincial status) elected by a party-list system of proportional representation, with men and women being listed alternately on every list; 16 traditional chiefs elected by the provincial assemblies of chiefs in the 8 provinces; 2 seats for the president and deputy president of the National Council of Chiefs (the administrative body of traditional chiefs); and 2 representatives of people with disabilities. All parliament members serve five-year terms.

For administrative purposes, Zimbabwe is divided into 8 provinces and 2 cities with provincial status, Bulawayo and the capital, Harare, known as metropolitan provinces. The provinces and metropolitan provinces are further divided into districts. Provinces are administered by provincial councils; they are headed by a chairperson, who is elected by the council. Bulawayo and Harare are administered by metropolitan councils; the mayor of each city serves as a council chairperson.

Zimbabwe’s judicial system includes the Constitutional Court, which is the highest court in matters pertaining to the constitution; the Supreme Court, which is the highest court of appeal in all other matters; and the High Court, which has original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters and supervises the magistrates courts and other subordinate courts. There are also a Labour Court and an Administrative Court, as well as customary law courts, which adjudicate on matters of traditional law and custom.

Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) is mandated to support safe, regular and efficient use and development of aviation services around Zimbabwe, as well as advise the government about domestic and international aviation applications.

Airspace

SkyVector – Google Maps – ADS-B Exchange

ICAO countries publish an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This document is divided into three parts: General (GEN), En Route (ENR) and Aerodromes (AD). ENR 1.4 details the types of airspace classes they chose to adopt from classes A through G. Zimbabwe AIP

Drone Regulations

Civil Aviation Act of Zimbabwe

Drone Registration

Zimbabwe: CAAZ Clarifies Regulations On Use of Drones

On Feb 11, 2022, the CAAZ Director General, Dr Elijah Chingosho, clarified the following drone regulations:

Those wanting to own, import or operate drones need to have approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) and follow the rules laid down in 2018 to ensure that their drone does not pose a hazard.

Drones may fly up to 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground, may not be flown at night without approval from CAAZ and must not be flown within 5km of any airport or airfield. Those owning drones must obtain a letter of approval from CAAZ so the air traffic regulator knows that the drone exists.

An unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. The flight of UAVs may operate under remote control by a human operator, as remotely-piloted aircraft (RPA), or with various degrees of autonomy, such as autopilot assistance, up to fully autonomous aircraft that have no provision for human intervention.

Dr Elijah Chingosho reminded the public that the regulation of the ownership and usage of unmanned aerial vehicles is governed by the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations published in Statutory Instrument 271 of 2018.

“CAAZ provides advice to the public and industry on how to fly drones safely and reduce any risk to aviation. CAAZ approval is required for ownership, important and operation of drones. Only licensed personnel shall conduct drone operations,” he said.

He added, “Whilst the potential for innovative use of drone technology is supported, CAAZ ensures the effective and proportionate management of any risks.”

Dr Chingosho also spoke about the unbundling of the Airports Authority of Zimbabwe from CAAZ as the regulator sheds the operation of airports. The split is meant to separate airport management functions from the regulatory function and that to enhance compliance with international best practice in the civil aviation industry.

The unbundling would also eliminate conflict of interest whereby CAAZ was playing both the regulator and player roles. “The unbundling was also meant to unlock value and enhance development of the aviation industry,” Dr Chingosho said.

The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe has been launched and would be operational by next month.

The school is situated at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and has a vision to be a centre of excellence in terms of provision of aviation-related training.

The school offers courses such as safety, fire and rescue, aviation security training and air traffic controllers training, among other areas.

Dr Chingosho said the new CAAZ was focused on the regulation of the aviation industry to ensure the safety and security in line with international standards and recommendation practices and the provision of air transport and air navigation services, as well as the related training.

It is also focused on the air transport industry which plays a critical role to the development of the nation towards a prosperous and empowered Upper Middle Income Society by the year 2030.

Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations, 2018

Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations, 2018

1. These regulations may be cited as the Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) Regulations, 2018.

2. In these regulations—

“beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS)” means an operation in which the remote pilot cannot maintain direct unaided visual contact with the remotely piloted aircraft to manage its flight and to meet separation and collision avoidance responsibilities visually;

“class 1 medical certificate” means a medical certificate issued in terms the Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing Regulations;

“class 2 medical certificate” means a medical certificate issued in terms of the Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing Regulations;

“class 3 medical certificate” means a medical certificate issued in terms of the Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing Regulations;

“class 4 medical certificate” means a certificate obtained by filling out a self-declaration form with any medical practitioner registered in terms of the Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19];

“C2 data link” include the elements of the command and control function that provide the interface between the remotely piloted aircraft and the ground control station for the purposes of commanding and controlling the flight;

“extended visual line-of-sight (E-VLOS)” means an operation below 400 feet above ground level in which an observer, maintains direct and unaided visual contact with the remotely piloted aircraft at a distance not exceeding 1000 m from the remote pilot, in order to facilitate separation and collision avoidance requirements;

“ground station” means the station at which the remote pilot manages the flight of the remotely piloted aircraft;

“model aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft capable of sustained flight and used exclusively for air display, recreation, sport or competition, and not for hire or reward;

“observer” means a person designated by the operator who, by visual observation of the remotely piloted aircraft, assists the remote pilot in the safe conduct of the flight;

“operator” means an owner or possessor of a remotely piloted aircraft;

“payload” means all the elements of a remotely piloted aircraft system that are carried for the purpose of fulfilling specific mission objectives but are not necessary for flight purposes;

“private operation” means the use of a remotely piloted aircraft for an individual’s personal and private purposes where there is no commercial outcome, interest or gain;

“remote pilot” means the person who manipulates the flight controls or manages the flight command instructions of a remotely piloted aircraft during flight time;

“remotely piloted aircraft” means an unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a ground station;

“remotely piloted aircraft system” means a set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its associated ground station, the required command and control links and any other system elements as may be required at any point during flight operation;

“restricted visual line-of-sight” means an operation within 500 m of the remote pilot and below the height of the highest obstacle within 300 m of the remotely piloted aircraft, in which the remote pilot maintains direct unaided visual contact with the remote piloted aircraft to manage its flight and meet separation and collision avoidance responsibilities;

“visual line-of-sight” means an operation below 400 feet above ground level in which the remote crew maintains direct visual contact with the aircraft at a distance not exceeding 500 m, to manage its flight and meet separation and collision avoidance responsibilities.

3. These regulations shall apply to civil remotely piloted aircraft.

4. (1) No remotely piloted aircraft shall be registered in Zimbabwe, unless such remotely piloted aircraft has been issued with a letter of approval by the Authority.

(2) An application for the issuing or renewal of a letter of approval shall be made to the Authority in writing and shall be accompanied by an appropriate fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(3) An application referred to in subsection (2) shall be accompanied by either—

(a) documentation regarding the standard to which the remotely piloted aircraft was designed; or

(b) documentation that demonstrates a level of safety acceptable to the Authority.

(4) Upon receipt of the application referred to in subsection (2), the Authority shall within 30 days by notice in writing to the applicant —

(a) approve the application; or

(b) reject the application.

(5) A remotely piloted aircraft letter of approval shall be valid for a period of twelve months upon first application, then a period of three years thereafter.

(6) An application made in terms of these regulations shall be in English language.

5. (1) No remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated within Zimbabwe, unless it has been registered by the Authority.

(2) An application for the issuing of a registration certificate shall be made to the Authority in writing and shall be accompanied by an appropriate fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(3) An application referred to in subsection (2) shall be accompanied by the following—

(a) a remotely piloted aircraft letter of approval issued by the Authority in terms of section 4;

(b) documents relating to ownership, hire, lease or partnership of the remotely piloted aircraft, either local or foreign;

(c) specifications relating to the remotely piloted aircraft;

(d) airworthiness history review of the remotely piloted aircraft, where necessary.

(4) In addition to the requirements in subsection (3), the Authority shall—

(a) carry out a physical inspection of the remotely piloted aircraft system, its maintenance and operational history.

(b) vet remotely piloted aircraft owner or operator.

(5) Upon receipt of the application referred to in subsection (2), the Authority shall within 30 days by notice in writing to the applicant—

(a) approve the application; or

(b) reject the application.

(6) Subject to subsection (5)(a), the Authority shall issue the applicant with a certificate of registration and a registration mark.

(7) The format of the national registration mark designated for use on remotely piloted aircraft shall be as prescribed in the Implementing Standards for Registration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

(8) Where a holder of a certificate of registration transfers to another person ownership of the remotely piloted aircraft, such prospective owner shall, within 30 days, apply to the Authority for change of ownership and such application shall be accompanied by an appropriate fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(9) The Authority shall maintain a register of all remotely piloted aircraft registered in terms of this section.

(10) Where the operator fraudulently registers a remotely piloted aircraft, the Authority shall, by notice in writing to the operator cancel the registration.

(11) Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14 or to an imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

6. (1) The following persons shall be eligible to register a remotely piloted aircraft in Zimbabwe—

(a) a Zimbabwean citizen or permanent resident of Zimbabwe; or

(b) companies, organizations, associations, partnerships or institutions whose principal place of business is in Zimbabwe.

(2) A remotely piloted aircraft shall not be eligible for registration in Zimbabwe if—

(a) it is registered outside Zimbabwe; or

(b) such remotely piloted aircraft is owned by a person not qualified in terms of subsection (1);

(c) such registration would be detrimental to the public interest.

7. (1) No person may temporarily import a remotely piloted aircraft for the purposes of private, corporate, non-profit operations or commercial use unless that person—

(a) applies for a pre-clearance approval to the Authority at least 30 days before the day of the temporary importation, stating the following information—

(i) full name and address of owner or operator of the remotely piloted aircraft;

(ii) country where the remotely piloted aircraft is registered and its use;

(iii) model, serial number and manufacturer of RPA;

(iv) weight of the remotely piloted aircraft;

(v) specifications of the remotely piloted aircraft;

(vi) purpose of the temporary importation;

(vii) period of the intended temporary importation; and

(viii) details of the place where the remotely piloted aircraft will be operated in Zimbabwe;

(b) upon entry of the remotely piloted aircraft into Zimbabwe, obtains a temporary import permit from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

(2) A remotely piloted aircraft pre-clearance approval shall be valid for three months from the date of issue.

8. (1) No person shall operate an RPA unless he or she is in possession of a valid remote pilot license in the relevant category:

Provided that a remote pilot, undergoing skills test or receiving flight instructions may operate a remotely piloted aircraft without a license.

(2) An application for a remote pilot license must be made to the Authority in writing within 30 days of completing the practical skills test and shall be accompanied by a fee prescribed in the Second Schedule.

(3) A remote pilot license may be issued for the following categories—

(a) aeroplane; or (b) multi-rotor; or (c) hybrid –vertical take off and landing (VTOL).

(4) A remote pilot shall have the following ratings on their personal license—

(a) visual line-of-sight operations (VLOS);

(b) extended visual line-of-sight operations (E-VLOS);

(c) beyond visual line-of-sight operations (B-VLOS).

9. An applicant for a remote pilot license shall—

(a) not be less than 18 years of age;

(b) hold at least —

(i) a valid class 4 medical certificate for B-VLOS operations or operations involving remotely piloted aircraft classified as class 3 or higher;

(ii) for all other classes or types of operations, a self declared medical assessment report as prescribed in the Implementing Standards for Continuing Airworthiness, Operations and Maintenance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft;

(iii) a restricted Certificate of Proficiency in Radiotelephony (Aeronautical);

(iv) level 4 English language proficiency level;

(c) provide proof of flight training referred to in section 11;

(d) have passed—

(i) a theoretical knowledge examination referred to in section 10; and

(ii) a practical skills test referred to in section 12.

10. (1) The theoretical knowledge examination applicable to the category of license sought must be passed within 90 days preceding the practical skills test.

(2) The theoretical knowledge examination shall be conducted at a test centre accredited by the Authority.

(3) The requirements for the examination shall be as prescribed in the Implementing Standards for Continuing Airworthiness, Operations and Maintenance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft.

(4) Approval shall be obtained from the Authority before any theoretical training or theoretical knowledge examination is undertaken if such training or knowledge is to be accredited towards a Zimbabwean Remote Pilot License.

11. (1) The flight training syllabi for the different categories of license shall be as prescribed by the Authority.

(2) The institution conducting the training shall issue a certificate of training stating that flight training has been successfully completed.

(3) All flight training shall be conducted with a remotely piloted aircraft of the same category for which the license is sought.

(4) Approval shall be obtained from the Authority before any flight training is undertaken if such training is to be accredited towards a Zimbabwean remote pilot license.

12. (1) The practical skills test for a remote pilot license shall be conducted within 30 days of completing the flight training by an examiner accredited by the Authority.

(2) The practical skills test shall be conducted with a remotely piloted aircraft of the same type for which the license is sought.

(3) The holder of the remote pilot license shall submit the practical skills test form to the Authority within 30 days of completion of the practical skills test.

(4) The practical skills test shall include the applicable sections for the extended visual line of sight (E-VLOS) and beyond visual line of sight (B-VLOS) ratings if one or more of these ratings are sought.

13. (1) A remote pilot license shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue or renewal.

(2) A revalidation check shall be conducted in the 90-day period before the expiry of the remote pilot license, by an examiner accredited by the Authority.

(3) The revalidation check shall be conducted on a remotely piloted aircraft of the same type for which the license is held.

(4) The holder of a remote pilot license shall submit the revalidation check form to the Authority within 30 days of the revalidation check.

(5) No remote pilot license shall be renewed three years after expiry.

14. (1) A holder of a remote pilot license must maintain a record of all his or her flight time, instrument time, simulation time and instruction time.

(2) Where electronic logbooks are used, the electronic data must be printed on paper at least every 90 days and the printed pages filed sequentially.

(3) The pilot must retain all pilot logbooks for at least five years from the date of the of remote pilot license expiry.

(4) The holder of a remote pilot license must make the logbook available for inspection upon request by the Authority.

15. No remotely piloted aircraft operator shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in terms of these regulations unless such person is the holder of—

(a) in the case of commercial, corporate and non-profit operations, a valid remotely piloted aircraft operator’s Certificate (ROC) and the Operations Specifications attached thereto; and

(b) in the case of only commercial operations, an Air Services Permit issued in terms of the Civil Aviation Act [Chapter 13:16].

16. (1) An application for the issuance of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate or renewal or an amendment thereto, shall be made to the Authority in writing, and shall be accompanied by a fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(2) An application referred to in subsection (1) shall be accompanied by—

(a) a copy of the certificate of registration of each remotely piloted aircraft to be operated;

(b) a copy of the RLA for each device to be operated; and

(c) for an initial issue, an original operations manual.

(3) A remotely piloted aircraft shall be registered under one remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate.

(4)A remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate shall be valid for one year from the date of issue unless—

(a) it is surrendered by the holder thereof; or

(b) it is suspended by an authorized officer, inspector or authorized person or cancelled by the Authority.

(5) The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate shall, at least 60 days immediately preceding the date on which such certificate expires, apply for the renewal of such certificate.

(6) The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate which is cancelled shall, within seven days from the date on which the remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate is cancelled, surrender such document to the Authority.

17. A remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate issued in terms of this Part shall not be transferable.

18. (1) The Authority may amend any remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate in order to correct any error in it or take account of any change in any particular recorded on it.

(2) The Authority may request the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate to submit the certificate to it to enable the Authority to amend it in terms of subsection (1) and the holder shall forthwith comply with such a requirement.

(3) Before amending an operator’s certificate, the Authority shall inform the holder of its intention to amend the certificate and shall give the holder an opportunity to make representations in the matter: Provided that this subsection shall not apply where the amendment is made at the holder’s request.

(4) An application for the amendment of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by an appropriate fee specified in the Second Schedule.

19. (1) If the Authority is satisfied that any remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate has been lost, defaced or destroyed, the Authority may issue to the holder a duplicate certificate with the word “duplicate” endorsed thereon.

(2) Upon the issue of a duplicate certificate in terms of subsection (1), the original shall become invalid.

(3) For every duplicate certificate issued in terms of subsection (1), there shall be paid a fee specified in the Second Schedule.

20. (1) The Authority shall have power to suspend, vary, cancel or refuse to renew an operator’s certificate if, during the period of validity of the certificate, the operator breaches any of the terms and conditions of issuance of the certificate.

(2) The Authority shall not suspend, cancel or refuse to renew an operator’s certificate in terms of subsection (1) unless it has informed the holder of its intention to do so and has given the holder reasonable opportunity to make representations in the matter.

(3) Where the Authority has suspended, cancelled or refused to renew an operator’s certificate in terms of subsection (1) it shall, on request, provide the holder with the reasons for such suspension, cancellation, amendment or refusal.

21. (1) The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate shall—

(a) conduct the activities granted by the operations specifications attached to the certificate and ensure compliance with the provisions authorized therein;

(b) ensure compliance with any other requirements which the Authority may impose from time to time;

(c) report to the Authority any changes directly or indirectly related to the certificate that may affect continued validity of the certificate or approval or safety of persons and property; and

(d) ensure that the remotely piloted aircraft operation is conducted in a safe manner.

(2) For operations approved for extended visual line of sight, the operator shall—

(a) make use of at least one observer who shall not be younger than eighteen years of age; and

(b) ensure that each observer has completed the training prescribed by the operator and as approved by the Authority in their operations manual.

22. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate holder shall develop an operations manual containing all the information required to demonstrate how such operator will ensure compliance with the regulations and how safety standards will be applied and achieved during such operations.

(2) The manual referred to in subsection (1) shall be approved by the Authority and accompanied by a fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(3) A remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate holder shall set out in the manual the type and scope of operations, including the manner in which each type of a remotely piloted aircraft and operation will be safely conducted.

(4) The operations manual or system of manuals should reflect all operational and legislative activities and obligations which the certificate holder is obliged to meet.

(5) The operator shall submit amendment of manuals to the Authority for approval—

(a) prior to a change in any proposed aspect, type or scope of the operator’s operation;

(b) where the operations manual no longer meets the requirements of these regulations or associated technical standards;

(c) on determining that any part or component thereof is or becomes inadequate; or

(d) when requested by the Authority to do so; and such operator shall pay a fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(6) Upon the approval of the operations manual amendments by the Authority, the operator shall make such changes communicated to all persons engaged in the operation, deployment, handling, security, transportation and storage of any remotely piloted aircraft operated by such certificate holder, and where necessary trained in accordance with any relevant aspect relating to such amendment.

(7) The structure and contents of the operations manual shall be as prescribed by the Authority.

23. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft operator shall establish a system of record-keeping that allows adequate storage and traceability of all activities developed, covering the following—

(a) personnel training and competence records;

(b) quality, safety and security management records;

(c) flight folio;

(d) remotely piloted aircraft records;

(e) flight plan;

(f) flight and duty records;

(g) fuel and oil records;

(h) maintenance records;

(i) aircraft technical log books;

(j) dangerous goods acceptance records;

(k) other records as may be required by the Authority.

(2) The format of the records shall be specified in the certificate holder’s operations manual.

(3) Records shall be stored for at least two years in a manner that ensures protection from fire, damage, alteration and theft.

24. (1) The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system certificate shall establish a safety management system which commensurate with the size of the institution and the complexity of its operations.

(2) The safety management system established in terms of these regulations shall include—

(a) safety policy and objectives;

(b) safety risk management;

(c) safety assurance; and

(d) safety promotion.

25. (1) A holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate issued in terms of section 16 shall—

(a) conduct background checks on all personnel recruited for deployment, handling and storage of any remotely piloted aircraft;

(b) conduct criminal record checks every two years on all personnel employed in the deployment, handling and storage of a remotely piloted aircraft;

(c) ensure that all personnel employed in the deployment, handling, and storage of remotely piloted aircraft have received security awareness training;

(d) ensure that a remotely piloted aircraft not in use is stored in a secure manner to prevent and detect unauthorized interference or use;

(e) ensure that a remotely piloted aircraft is protected from acts of unlawful interference;

(f) ensure that a remotely piloted aircraft is stored and prepared for flight in a manner that will prevent and detect tampering and ensure integrity of vital systems; and

(g) designate a security coordinator responsible for the implementation, application and supervision of the security controls.

(2) The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate shall include in the operations manual security aspects referred to in subsection (1).

26. The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate issued in terms of section 16 shall permit a person authorized by the Authority to carry out such safety and security inspections, audits and oversight, including safety or security inspections and audits of its partners, suppliers or subcontractors, as may be necessary to determine continued compliance with the provisions of regulations and the privileges granted by the certificate.

27. The Authority shall maintain a register of all certificates issued in terms of these regulations.

28. A remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate holder shall hold a third party insurance cover for the operations at all times.

29. No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in weather conditions that do not allow unobstructed visual contact with the remotely piloted aircraft by other airspace users and by the operator unless in beyond visual line of sight or night operations approved by the Authority in their operation specifications.

30. No person shall use a public road as a place of landing or take-off of a remotely piloted aircraft, except by a holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate, approved by the Authority and the relevant local authority.

31. (1) No remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated in controlled airspace, except by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate, and as approved by the Authority.

(2) The Authority may approve a remotely piloted aircraft in controlled airspace in terms of the Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Services) Rules of the Air and Regulations, 2018, published in Statutory Instrument 197 of 2018.

(3) Subject to subsection (2), remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated under visual meteorological conditions in an air traffic zone and controlled terminal region below 400 feet.

(4) In order to avoid collisions, remotely piloted aircraft operating in controlled airspace shall have the same ability to automatically detect and avoid traffic or obstacles while moving through the air.

32. No object or substance shall be released, dispensed, dropped, delivered or deployed from a remotely piloted aircraft except by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and as approved by the Authority in the operator’s specifications.

33. (1) No person may use a remotely piloted aircraft to carry dangerous goods as cargo, except by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and as approved by the Authority in the operations specifications.

(2) The provisions of the Civil Aviation (Dangerous Goods) Regulations, 2018, published in Statutory Instrument 51 of 2018, relating to carriage of dangerous goods shall apply mutatis mutandis.

34. (1) The Civil Aviation Aircraft Accident Investigation Regulations, 2018, published in Statutory Instrument 78 of 2018, shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the reporting of all accidents and incidents, including—

(a) any injury or death to a person;

(b) damage to property;

(c) destruction of the remotely piloted aircraft beyond economical repair.

(2) All incidents involving a remotely piloted aircraft, where loss of control occurred, shall be reported to the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate.

35. No remote pilot, observer or a remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician shall—

(a) consume alcohol less than eight hours prior to reporting for duty;

(b) commence a duty period while the concentration of alcohol in any specimen of blood taken from any part of his or her body is more than 0,02 grams per 100 milliliters;

(c) consume alcohol or any psychoactive substance during the duty period or whilst on standby for duty; or

(d) commence duty period while under the influence of alcohol or any psychoactive substance having a narcotic effect.

36. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft system shall be equipped with an approved C2 datalink.

(2) The C2 datalink system and associated procedures shall be described in the remotely piloted aircraft flight manual.

(3) The C2 datalink shall provide the following functions—

(a) uplink of crew commands from the ground control station to the remotely piloted aircraft;

(b) downlink of remotely piloted aircraft system flight parameters and status data from the remotely piloted aircraft to the ground control station;

(c) pairing between the ground control station and the remotely piloted aircraft;

(d) means to indicate to the remote pilot—

(i) the status of the C2 datalink; and

(ii) the effective range of the C2 datalink;

(e) the transfer of command and control from one datalink channel to another channel, within the same ground control station, is seamless and does not lead to safety hazards.

37. (1) The C2 datalink shall be designed such that it is properly protected from external radio frequency interference and, where more than one datalink is used, these must operate at frequencies which exclude mutual interference.

(2) The C2 datalink performance shall be specified in terms of—

(a) effective range;

(b) frequencies, bandwidth and throughput;

(c) latency or communication transaction time;

(d) availability;

(e) message error rate.

(3) The non-restorable loss of C2 datalink shall be considered as loss of the ability of the remote pilot to exercise his or her control of the remotely piloted aircraft.

(4) The system that provides the C2 datalink shall be designed as demonstrated by an adequate assessment of the design.

38. (1) No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft unless—

(a) the remotely piloted aircraft is in an airworthy condition;

(b) the remote pilot is a holder of a license issued in terms of section 8;

(c) the ground station is compatible and interoperable with the aircraft it is connected to in all phases of flight; and

(d) the remotely piloted aircraft is being controlled by only one ground station at any given time.

(2) No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger the safety of any person, property or other aircraft in the air or on the ground.

(3) The operator shall, in the best interest of safety, ensure that certain remotely piloted aircraft operations are supplemented with additional personnel for non-flying duties, such that the remote pilot can maintain control and situational awareness in respect of positioning and collision avoidance.

39. (1) No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft unless they have in their possession—

(a) a valid remotely piloted aircraft pilot license;

(b) a copy of the remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and associated operations specifications;

(c) the certificate of registration for each remotely piloted aircraft in operation;

(d) a copy of the remotely piloted aircraft letter of approval; and

(e) a user manual for the remotely piloted aircraft system.

(2) Unless approved by the Authority, no remotely piloted aircraft shall—

(a) tow another aircraft;

(b) perform aerial aerobatic or roll except in an emergency to avoid collision;

(c) be fl own in formation or swarm.

(3) Except by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate, and as approved by the Authority, no remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated—

(a) above 400 feet above the surface;

(b) within a radius of three nautical miles from a controlled or an uncontrolled aerodrome;

(c) within restricted or prohibited airspace; or

(d) adjacent to or above a nuclear power plant, prison, police station, crime scene, court of law, national key point or strategic installation.

40. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft shall not be operated beyond visual-line-of-sight unless by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and as approved by the Authority.

(2) Approved operations may only be conducted in visual meteorological conditions, below 400 ft above surface level, unless approved by the Authority.

41. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft may not be operated at night except—

(a) in restricted visual-line-of-sight operation; or

(b) by the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate, and as approved by the Authority.

(2) The holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate intending to operate a remotely piloted aircraft at night, shall, as a minimum have each remotely piloted aircraft approved under their remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate for night operations.

(3) A remotely piloted aircraft may not be operated at night in controlled airspace except as approved by the Authority.

42. No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft directly overhead any person or group of people or within a lateral distance of 30 m from any person, unless—

(a) the operator is a holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and the operation has been approved by the Authority; or

(b) such person or group of persons form part of the operations of the remotely piloted aircraft, and is under control of the operator of the remotely piloted aircraft, and adequate provisions have been made for their safety.

43. (1) No remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated within a lateral distance of 30 m from any structure or building, unless—

(a) the operator is a holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and the operation has been approved by the Authority; and

(b) permission has been obtained from the owner of such structure or building.

(2) An operator conducting an operation referred to in subsection (1), shall take such measures as are necessary to ensure the safety of all persons on the ground accessing such building or structure in the vicinity of such building or structure.

44. No person shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft over an aerodrome, or an aerodrome’s approach path, or a public road or along the length of a public road or at a distance of less than 30 m from a public road unless—

(a) such person is the holder of a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate and the operation has been approved by the Authority;

(b) adequate measures have been taken to ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians in the event of loss of control of the remotely piloted aircraft.

45. (1) No remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated within the three nautical miles boundary of an aerodrome—

(a) except for restricted visual-line-of sight operations; or

(b) unless the pilot has a functioning air-band radio in his or her possession, tuned to the frequency or frequencies applicable to the air traffic service unit providing services or controlling such area or airspace or to aircraft in such area or airspace.

(2) The air-band radio shall have the required output and be configured in such a way that the range, strength of transmission and quality of communication extends beyond the furthest likely position of the remotely piloted aircraft from the pilot.

(3) For visual line of sight, extended visual-line-of-sight and beyond visual-line-of-sight operations, the pilot shall, using the registration of the remotely piloted aircraft as a call-sign, make the required radio calls indicating the altitude, location and intended operation of the remotely piloted aircraft in that area and at such intervals as are required in order to ensure adequate separation from other aircraft is maintained.

(4) For approved remotely piloted aircraft operations in controlled airspace, the pilot shall maintain radio contact, using the registration of the remotely piloted aircraft as a call-sign, with the relevant air traffic service unit, and acknowledge and execute such instructions as the air traffic service unit may give at any time during the operation of the remotely piloted aircraft.

(5) The Authority shall be responsible for the allocation of the operating frequency to users.

(6) A remotely piloted aircraft operator shall apply to the Authority for operating frequency allocation and the application shall be accompanied by a fee specified in the Second Schedule.

46. A remote pilot shall complete the pre-flight preparations prior to each flight.

47. (1) A remote pilot shall ensure safe operation of the remotely piloted aircraft.

(2) A remote pilot shall operate a remotely piloted aircraft in accordance with the flight manual.

(3) A remote pilot is responsible for separation and collision avoidance of the remotely piloted aircraft and other aircraft, obstacles and hazards.

(4) A remote pilot shall operate such remotely piloted aircraft in a manner so as to minimize hazards to persons and property on the ground, and other aircraft in the air.

48. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft system shall be operated in such a way that safe separation from other aircraft is maintained and that adequate obstacle clearance is ensured, during all phases of the flight.

(2) A remote pilot shall ensure that the launch and recovery area is safe and of the appropriate dimensions, free from obstacles and has adequate surface conditions, with regard to the type of operation, the size of the aircraft, the aircraft’s performance and external factors.

49. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft shall give way to manned aircraft.

(2) A remotely piloted aircraft shall avoid passing over, under or in front of manned aircraft, unless if it passes well clear and takes into account the effect of aircraft wake turbulence.

(3) When two aircraft are approaching head-on or approximately in a way that there is danger of collision, each aircraft shall alter its heading to the right.

(4) When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same level, the aircraft which has the other aircraft on its right, shall give way.

(5) An aircraft which is being overtaken has the right of way, and the one overtaking shall alter its heading to keep well clear.

(6) A remotely piloted aircraft shall descend or climb by a minimum of 100 feet per minute as soon as a manned aircraft is detected in the immediate vicinity to ensure separation.

50. (1) For the purposes of reporting and recording time, coordinated universal time shall be used and shall be expressed in hours and minutes and, when required, seconds of the 24-hour day beginning at midnight.

(2)A pilot shall have a time piece synchronized with coordinated universal time prior to operating a remotely piloted aircraft.

(3) Wherever time is utilized in the application of data link communications, it shall be accurate to within one second of coordinated universal time.

51. (1) The owner or operator of a remotely piloted aircraft shall ensure that the remotely piloted aircraft has a flight folio or any other similar document which meets the requirements of the operation, and shall be accessible at the remote pilot station all times during flight.

(2) The remote pilot shall keep an updated flight folio in a legible manner.

(3) The remote pilot shall, immediately upon completion of any occurrence, update the flight folio.

(4) In the case of maintenance being undertaken on the remotely piloted aircraft, the entry shall be certified by the person responsible for maintenance.

(5) The remote pilot shall—

(a) maintain fuel or charging records for each flight under his or her control;

(b) enter the fuel, charging and oil records in the flight folio; and

(c) maintain oil records for each flight under his or her control.

(6) The flight Folio shall incorporate the following information for each flight—

(a) aircraft registration;

(b) date of flight;

(c) accessories carried;

(d) names of flight crew members;

(e) duty assignment of flight crew members;

(f) place of departure;

(g) place of arrival;

(h) off-block time;

(i) take-off time;

(j) landing time;

(k) on-block time;

(l) hours of flight;

(m) nature of flight;

(n) incidents, observations, if any;

(o) signature of remote pilot;

(p) all outstanding deferred defects which affect the operation of the aircraft;

(q) fuel and oil used, where applicable;

(r) fuel and oil uplift, where applicable;

(s) battery charge status at beginning and end of the flight, where applicable;

(t) flight plan; and

(u) cargo manifest.

52. (1) The remote pilot shall ensure that the aircraft has enough fuel or electrical charge to complete the flight, plus a reserve of at least 10% during visual line of sight operations.

(2) The remote pilot shall ensure that the aircraft has enough fuel or electrical charge to complete the intended flight plus a reserve of at least 15% during beyond visual line of sight operations.

53. (1) No operator of a remotely piloted aircraft shall operate the aircraft unless a first aid kit consisting of the medical supplies is available within the remote pilot station and the provisions of the Civil Aviation Aircraft (Instrument and Equipment) Regulations, 2018, published in Statutory Instrument 139 of 2018, shall apply mutatis mutandis.

(2) The operator shall carry out periodical inspections of the first aid kit to ensure that the contents thereof are in a condition necessary for their intended use.

(3) The contents of the first aid kit shall be replenished at regular intervals, in accordance with instructions contained on their labels, or as circumstances require.

(4) The first aid kit shall be readily accessible to all crew members involved in the operation.

54. No remotely piloted aircraft shall be operated unless suitable hand-held fire extinguisher is available at the ground station.

55. Any person who contravenes this Part shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level 14 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

56. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft shall be compliant with the manufacturer’s instructions for continued maintenance requirements.

(2) The operator shall submit to the Authority for approval, a maintenance program for the remotely piloted aircraft.

57. The maintenance of a remotely piloted aircraft or any component thereof shall be carried out by the following persons—

(a) in respect of a class 3 remotely piloted aircraft and higher, by a holder of a valid remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician authorization; or

(b) in respect of a class 4 remotely piloted aircraft and lower, by a remotely piloted aircraft system operator certificate holder: Provided that the holder can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Authority, his or her ability to perform the required maintenance on the remotely piloted aircraft.

58. (1) An applicant for issuance or renewal of a remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician authorization shall—

(a) be not less than 18 years of age; and

(b) be a Zimbabwean citizen or in possession of a valid permanent residence permit or valid temporary work permit with a letter of employment; and

(c) have successfully completed appropriate training, provided by—

(i) an institution approved by the competent authority in the country where the training institution is located;

(ii) an approved original equipment manufacturer; or

(iii) a training facility approved by the Authority; and

(d) demonstrate to the Authority, the ability to perform maintenance functions where no training for the particular remotely piloted aircraft is offered or available.

(2) An application for the issuance or renewal of a remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician authorization shall be made to the Authority in writing and accompanied by a prescribed fee specified in the Second Schedule.

(3) The Authority shall issue a remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician authorization if the applicant complies with the prescribed requirements.

(4) A remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician authorization shall be valid for a period of two years.

59. (1) Any person responsible for maintenance of a remotely piloted aircraft shall maintain a personal logbook and shall record therein all work carried out on a remotely piloted aircraft and its components.

(2) The personal logbook referred to in subsection (1) shall contain the following information—

(a) his or her full name;

(b) his or her identification number;

(c) name of employer;

(d) record of all technical courses attended;

(e) date of maintenance;

(f) type and make of remotely piloted aircraft;

(g) work carried out; and

(h) signature of quality assurance personnel.

60. Subject to this Part, any person who is aggrieved by a decision, proposal or action of the Authority under these regulations may appeal against the decision, proposal or action in terms of section 78 of the Act.

61. Private operations of a remotely piloted aircraft shall be conducted only in restricted visual line-of-sight and visual line-of-sight.

62. Remotely piloted aircraft shall be grouped in accordance with the classifications as prescribed in the First Schedule.

63. The Authority may, from time to time, issue directives which are necessary for safe and secure operation of remotely piloted aircraft.

64. (1)No person shall sell a remotely piloted aircraft within Zimbabwe unless he or she has, by way of a packaging label, or in the case of a resale, by way of written notification, notified the buyer of the requirements prescribed by the Authority.

(2) No remotely piloted aircraft maintenance technician authorization holder shall exercise privileges other than the specific privileges for which the authorization is issued.

(3) Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or to an imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

65. The Authority shall carry out software validation through the following means or combination of methods—

(a) demonstration;

(b) designation; and

(c) liaison with other Contracting States Civil Aviation Authorities that would have done such validation processes.

66. A remotely piloted aircraft shall be equipped with an altimetry system or equivalent that is capable of displaying to the operator on the remotely piloted aircraft system, the altitude and height of the remotely piloted aircraft above ground level;

67. (1) A remotely piloted aircraft letter of approval may be suspended if the remotely piloted aircraft is in an un-airworthy condition until restored to an airworthy condition.

(2) When a remotely piloted aircraft has been damaged, the Authority shall establish whether the damage may render the remotely piloted aircraft un-airworthy.

68. All accessory equipment mounted on a remotely piloted aircraft shall—

(a) be approved in the design specifications and manufacturer requirements;

(b) be approved by the Authority after evaluation of a technical request for any accessories not covered in the original design, specification and manufacturer documents.

69. (1)An operator of a remotely piloted aircraft—

(a) of 20 kgs and above maximum take-off weight; or

(b) below 20 kgs with any serious incidents or accidents; shall within 24 hours, report to the Authority any failures, malfunctions, or defects in flight.

(2) The failures, malfunctions or defects in flight referred to in subsection (1)(a) may be caused by the following—

(a) fire to the propulsion system, any shut down, flameout or seizure, internal or external to the propulsion system, over speed, propeller feathering, foreign object damage ingestion, fuel leakage and premature change of propulsion units;

(b) remotely piloted aircraft component that causes accumulation or circulation of smoke, vapor, toxic or non-toxic fumes in any compartment;

(c) brake system components failure that result in loss of brake actuating force when the remotely piloted aircraft is in motion on the ground;

(d) remotely piloted aircraft structure that requires major repair; cracks, permanent deformation, or corrosion of aircraft structure, if they are more than the maximum acceptable to the manufacturer or the Authority;

(e) remotely piloted aircraft components or systems malfunctions that result in taking emergency actions during flight;

(f) each interruption to a flight caused by known or suspected technical difficulties or malfunctions;

(g) abnormal vibration or buffeting caused by a structural or system malfunction, defects, or failure; and a failure or malfunction of more than one attitude, airspeed, or altitude instrument during a given operation of the aircraft.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

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