Aerial Works

Aerial Works UAV Aerial Works is a licensed Drone Operator regulated by the SACAA. Work by Drones...

We're at it again. See you there.
18/06/2025

We're at it again. See you there.

Welcome AERIAL WORKS, to AERO South Africa 2025! ✈️

Aerial Works is a leading South African company specializing in drone security. Established in 2017, our commitment to innovation, quality, and safety has driven us to the forefront of the drone industry. As pioneers in South Africa’s drone ecosystem, we offer a wide range of services, from manufacturing UAVs to training drone pilots and developing software for efficient and safe drone operations. Our holistic approach ensures our clients have access to cutting-edge technology and expert knowledge to elevate their security operations.serves clients both domestically and internationally. Their reputation for excellence and innovation has led them to collaborate with organisations around the world. Growing a global presence and are continuously expanding their reach to offer expertise and technology to a wider audience.

📅 25–27 June 2025
📍 Lanseria International Airport
🔗 Register to visit: https://tinyurl.com/AEROSA

NB! B2B trade only | No air show | No children under 15.

Throw back to a great ITOO Special Risks interview with our Director of Operations Kim James. We're sharing this again a...
07/06/2025

Throw back to a great ITOO Special Risks interview with our Director of Operations Kim James.

We're sharing this again ahead of our comeback at AERO Expo SA where Aerial Works will again be sponsoring the Women and Drones Africa Build Your Hours programme.

See you at Lanseria International Airport for all the action.

Inspiring Women in Aviation: Meet Kim James, Director at UAV Aerial Works! In our latest interview, we sit down with Kim James, affectionately known as "Dron...

There's no easing into 2025 for this team.... Expanding multiple locations across South Africa in drone security operati...
09/01/2025

There's no easing into 2025 for this team....

Expanding multiple locations across South Africa in drone security operations.

If you are a drone pilot and want to join this winning team, please submit your application by clicking into the link below.

If you are an aspiring drone pilot and have a valid RPC, get yourself down to Wonderboom 3-5 July 2024 and build your ho...
26/06/2024

If you are an aspiring drone pilot and have a valid RPC, get yourself down to Wonderboom 3-5 July 2024 and build your hours on a registered drone.

Women and Drones Africa sponsored by Aerial Works, will be at at the Women and Drones Drone Zone to welcome you.

You must register here to take part:

https://forms.gle/TXvzCjfYH8kdT4KN6

Calling all Certified Drone Pilots to the ‘Build your Hours Programme’ at AERO South Africa.

If you are unemployed and looking to build your Pilot logbook hours, register to attend AERO South Africa and get yourself down to Women and Drones Africa Drone Zone at Wonderboom National Airport 3-5 July 2024.

You will be given a unique opportunity to fly a registered drone at Aero SA and add to your hours and skills.

To register for the "Build your hour's" programme complete this link: https://forms.gle/TXvzCjfYH8kdT4KN6

Hosted by Women and Drones, sponsored by UAV Aerial Works (Pty) Ltd ROC No: CAA/G1321D

Wow! Just Wow.Day 1 Securex South Africa exceeded all expectations. You still have today and tomorrow to visit Aerial Wo...
12/06/2024

Wow! Just Wow.

Day 1 Securex South Africa exceeded all expectations.

You still have today and tomorrow to visit Aerial Works at stand C08 in Hall 2 to discuss your drone security needs.



   #2024     Securex is less than a month away and we cannot be more excited to catch up with you all at our stand in Ha...
15/05/2024

#2024

Securex is less than a month away and we cannot be more excited to catch up with you all at our stand in Hall 2 Stand C08.

Register for free as a visitor by clicking the link below 👇

11 - 13 June 2024 at Gallagher Convention Centre

Aerial Works at Securex South Africa

We build an air force which creates a highly effective layer of defence to integrate with existing security strategies and we do this by training our own drone teams in-house, building our own drones and managing operations with exceptional aviation and security expertise.

      to    Why Aerial Works Director of Operations,   sweats the small stuff. "I'm often asked how I maintain my peace ...
19/04/2024

to

Why Aerial Works Director of Operations, sweats the small stuff.

"I'm often asked how I maintain my peace of mind amidst the chaos of managing people, the human performance connected to that, equipment, shift rostering, night shifts, crew houses, operations, and a myriad of other factors, including unpredictable criminals on client sites!

My answer might surprise some: I sweat the small stuff, and it's precisely what allows me to stay calm amidst the storm.

In a world where we're often told not to sweat the small stuff in order to live a calmer life, I've found that attention to detail is the cornerstone of success, particularly in our line of work.

When you're responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations involving technology, tight schedules, and the unpredictable element of human factors, overlooking even the smallest detail can have significant consequences.

Whether it's double-checking crew equipment, meticulously planning shift rotations, implementing security measures to mitigate risks from external threats, or even the quality and timing of the crew meals, every detail matters.

While some may see this level of attention as unnecessary or even stressful, for me, it's what allows me to rest easy knowing that we've done everything in our power to ensure the smooth operation of our business.

In an industry where precision and reliability are paramount (IMHO), sweating the small stuff isn't just a habit—it's a necessity. Oh, and having a phenomenal team ❤️.

It's what allows us to maintain our competitive edge, exceed client expectations, and most importantly, keep our teams safe.

So the next time you're tempted to overlook the small details in favour of a simpler, less stressful approach, cost saving or simply expecting your teams to go it on their own, consider this: sometimes, it's the sweating of the small stuff that brings the greatest peace of mind and operational excellence.

PS This post was inspired by my current intellectual crush Bartlett ( #2 behind my Bertus van Zyl x) and his book, The Diary of a CEO:

He says: "If you don't care about tiny details you'll produce bad work because good work is the culmination of hundreds of tiny details. The world's most successful people all sweat the small stuff."

And there you have it :-)"

of a

            In the   space in South Africa, our operations are much more than just the drone and the pilot. And until we...
14/03/2024



In the space in South Africa, our operations are much more than just the drone and the pilot.

And until we are fully autonomous - which contrary to popular belief, will still take a significant amount of time - we are faced with safety challenges beyond the basic assumption of what an operation entails.

The mining sites we operate on have arduous safety requirements, and for good reason.

Amongst those safety and induction requirements are driver assessments, site specific inductions and in some cases also psychomotor assessments. The latest development is a non-negotiable requirement for individuals to have had a driver's license no less than two years.

Operationally, besides the client site driving requirements, our pilot teams have company or mine vehicles to drive to base and back, and on shift rotations some teams are required to do long distance drives on dangerous roads, ala South Africa.

SHOCKING STATISTICS

In the last few larger Aerial Works hiring campaigns, the amount of 18 - 34 year old's who applied for our posts that do not have a driver's licenses, or have licenses but cannot drive, is shocking. In one area, only 10% of the 100's of applications had a matric certificate and a driver's license.

So, this means that now has to spend a significant amount of money on driver assessments, validation of drivers license (stats show 1 in 3 drivers licenses in South Africa are fake/bought), and defensive driver training before we can even appoint and deploy a drone pilot/assistant.

UNPOPULAR OPINION

How is it that?:

❓In South Africa, driving is not deemed a critical skill?

❓So much focus and funding is on 4iR & Remote Pilot Certification and none on teaching what in my opinion is a basic but critical skill?

❓There is pressure to hire unemployed youth from funded drone pilot training programmes, but many times they are unemployable because they cannot drive/don't have licenses?

❓With the main cause of traffic accidents being reckless or negligent driving (71% of fatal accidents in South Africa were caused by driver error) there is not more focus on youth driving skills.

Next time I have a call from the Department of Education enquiring about Robotics or Drone skills programmes, I'm going to suggest driver training & licenses for High School students instead?!?

FINAL THOUGHTS

We go to great lengths to keep our employees out of harm's way in our operations. That includes fatigue management, limiting night driving, not allowing longer distance driving after shifts or in hours of darkness etc. We therefore cannot take chances by hiring inexperienced drivers.

And whilst we are big proponents of offering opportunities, in our world of over 60% unemployment in some areas, our candidate pool is shrinking by the day.

Anyone with me?

       As we kick off another week, I'm reminded of the incredible potential that most of us have in this   industry or ...
11/03/2024



As we kick off another week, I'm reminded of the incredible potential that most of us have in this industry or ours.

But let's not forget:

Behind every idea, groundbreaking innovation, and every successful flight, there has to be a team of passionate individuals which refuses to settle for the status quo, a quick fix or half-baked quality.

This team must work relentlessly on solving problems, show up day after day, night after night, and become a deep seated operationally superior A-Team.

I had the privilege to unexpectedly speak with President Cyril Ramaphosa (for all of 60 seconds :-) about our Fixed Wing VTOL UAS operations. 📷👇

❓Was that an incredible experience to write home about?
YES

❓Does that mean automatic accolades and success?
NO

❓Does success come from operational experience, implementing, learning, searching, building?
YES

❓Does success come from embracing copious amounts of proverbial blood, sweat, and tears?
YES

❓Does success come from facing clients and delivering what we promise?
YES

❓Does success come from iterating as we go?
YES

❓Does success come from having the right team of experts around you?
YES

So, as we dive into this new week, let's embrace the challenges and seize the opportunities, but never forget that nothing comes easy and nothing is a quick fix.

You have to work hard, solve problems, improve operations, rinse and repeat.

It's about playing the long game.

Aerial Works’ Kim James  speaking at Mobility Now & Drone Summit in Ireland on the significant work that UAS operations ...
01/03/2024

Aerial Works’ Kim James speaking at Mobility Now & Drone Summit in Ireland on the significant work that UAS operations in fighting the scourge of crime within South African borders and how they are increasingly becoming a powerful force of good.

The two-day Mobility Now & Drone Summit comprises global aviation industry leaders who will tackle different innovations and trends.

Also, in attendance is both charters of Women and Drones US and Africa.

  underway with Brendan Kiely (Technology Ireland & ThinScale Technology Ltd giving opening remarks. Aerial Works is the...
01/03/2024

underway with Brendan Kiely (Technology Ireland & ThinScale Technology Ltd giving opening remarks.

Aerial Works is there and will be updating from the summit.

The Drone Industry from the View of an Aerial Works NewbieAre new-collar jobs offered by the drone industry the answer t...
27/02/2024

The Drone Industry from the View of an Aerial Works Newbie

Are new-collar jobs offered by the drone industry the answer to the country’s ever-increasing unemployment woes?

Address

48 Oak Avenue, Highveld Technopark
Centurion
0157

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