Chirwa, Mary2026-08-072026-08-072026-07http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14886Part 101 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations governs unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations and was introduced early to ensure aviation safety. However, the framework was largely adapted from manned aviation regulations and applies a uniform, certification-driven approach to operations with very different risk profiles. As the UAS sector has evolved, concerns have emerged regarding whether the current regulatory structure continues to support innovation, accessibility, and compliance, particularly for low-risk operations, research activities, and emerging manufacturers. This paper presents a structured review of Part 101 and a proposal for targeted amendments developed through stakeholder consultation, expert engagement, and comparative benchmarking against international regulations and standards. The proposed framework introduces a proportionate, risk-based regulatory architecture, differentiated operational categories, and dedicated provisions for institutional and research operations whilst managing safety and security risks associated with unsecured airspace. The analysis demonstrates that a risk-based approach can reduce regulatory barriers and improve compliance while maintaining core aviation safety objectives.FulltextenUnmanned aircraft systemsUASPart 101Civil Aviation AuthorityDronesConference Presentationn/a