Aviation Advisory
Aviation is one of the most heavily regulated activities in South Africa — from commercial drone operations on farms to aircraft purchase, leasing and charter. Van Dyk · Theron advises farmers, operators, buyers and landowners on the regulatory and contractual side of aviation, so your operations stay lawful and your interests protected.
What We Advise On
Commercial Drone Operations (Part 101)
SACAA Part 101 compliance: Remote Operator Certificates (ROC), Remote Pilot Licences (RPL) and operating approvals for agricultural, survey and inspection drones.
Aircraft Purchase & Sale
Sale agreements, pre-purchase due diligence, registration and airworthiness records — protecting buyers and sellers in high-value transactions.
Aircraft Leasing & Finance
Lease and finance structures, including the Cape Town Convention's international interests in aircraft equipment.
Charter & Operating Agreements
Charter contracts, wet and dry leases, and operating agreements that clearly allocate cost, risk and responsibility.
Landing Rights & Farm Strips
Servitudes, access agreements and liability arrangements for airstrips and landing rights on private and agricultural land.
Liability & Insurance
Advice on aviation liability exposure, insurance requirements and indemnities for operators and landowners.
Accidents & Incidents
Reporting obligations, investigations and representation after aviation accidents and incidents.
Regulatory Enforcement
Assistance where the SACAA or other authorities raise compliance issues, fines or licence action.
Why Aviation Needs Specialist Legal Advice
Aviation transactions involve high values, strict safety regulation and overlapping areas of law — contract, property, insurance and administrative law at once. A drone operated commercially without a ROC can ground a farming operation; an aircraft bought without proper due diligence can carry hidden debt or defects; and a handshake landing arrangement can turn into a costly neighbour dispute. Proper agreements and compliance upfront prevent all three.
Our Approach
Practical Sector Knowledge
We understand how drones, farm strips and charter operations actually work, so our advice fits your operation rather than a textbook.
Compliance Before Takeoff
We check licensing, registration and insurance before you operate or buy — not after the SACAA or an insurer raises the issue.
Agreements That Hold
From aircraft sales to landing-rights servitudes, we draft documents that are enforceable and protect your position if a dispute arises.
Have a Question About Aviation Advisory?
Contact Van Dyk · Theron for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.
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