At Darkwing Aerials, ensuring seamless aerial cinematography requires meticulous attention to permissions and regulations. Whether you're planning an aerial shoot in Cape Town or elsewhere in South Africa, here's everything you need to know about obtaining the necessary permissions and ensuring a smooth filming process.
To facilitate the best aerial cinematography, Darkwing Aerials needs Google Maps links or pins for all shortlisted locations. Sending these details as early as possible—regardless of final confirmation—helps us identify and flag areas needing additional airspace permissions. Our expert drone crew will handle all airspace application processes, ensuring your shoot proceeds without delays.
National Key Points
When filming above or around any National Key Point, Darkwing Aerials requires a National Key Point Permit from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). A film permit or landowner permission must be obtained before we can submit this application.
Public Events
For aerial cinematography at public events, Darkwing Aerials will secure a Public Events Permit from SACAA. Similar to National Key Points, a film permit or landowner permission is necessary for us to process this application.
Private Locations
For private locations, Darkwing Aerials requires a signed landowner form. We will provide this form for your convenience.
Cape Town Film Office
Filming within Cape Town requires a film application through the City of Cape Town’s online portal. Once submitted, we will apply to the Disaster Risk Department and forward the approval to you. This document must be shared with your allocated film office representative.
SANParks
Operating drones within SANParks necessitates a commercial agreement. Clients must initiate a terrestrial film application with SANParks, listing the drones in the original application. Darkwing Aerials will then submit a separate drone-specific application form for final approval. Note that some SANParks areas are restricted for drones due to environmental concerns.
Cape Nature
For any aerial shoot within Cape Nature, clients must specify drone usage in their application. Cape Nature maintains our documentation on file, which speeds up the process. Specific drone licenses may be required, and we can provide these upon request.
Cape Winelands
Filming in the Cape Winelands area requires an application through Stellenbosch Municipality. Drones must be included in the original application, and Stellenbosch Municipality might request additional documents or certifications, which Darkwing Aerials will supply as needed.
Flying within the CBD and Surroundings
Flying within Cape Town’s CBD is generally straightforward, with approvals typically granted within 1-3 days, contingent on terrestrial permissions. Please note that the V&A Waterfront is a NO FLY ZONE.
Flying within the Port Authority
For aerial shoots within port areas, Darkwing Aerials must secure approval from the Harbour Master and final authorisation from SACAA. This process generally takes 5-10 working days, so it is crucial to flag port locations as early as possible.
Important Note
All permissions are subject to change by the governing authorities of each region. For the most up-to-date information, please consult with our team.
Effective Date: 29.08.2024