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This paper discusses strategies to improve the application process for drones and Part 101 of the regulations for the approval of applications. Drones have the potential to transform the world by doing things differently and improving technology in the future. The use of drones is growing fast, and the need for control is important for reasons of safety and privacy. A qualitative method of data collection and analysis was used in this study, using the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) as a case study. Telephonic interviews were conducted to collect data from participants and to understand the issues affecting the drone application process. Drone operators were interviewed to collect data on the drone application process and the regulations. The researcher discovered that there were issues affecting the existing drone application and approval processes, such as restrictive regulations, the inclusion of manned aircraft requirements, slow issuing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems operators’ certificates, and the capital needed to enter the drone business. Recommendations are made to improve the drone application and approval processes.

Processes are developed with activities that should be conducted to reach a set goal. There is no perfect process, and any process at a later stage will need to be improved to keep up with the time and the technology. Business Process Management (BPM) is essential for any process for the management, monitoring and improvement of the developed process. There are different types of business process management models that one could adopt for process enhancement. Drone approval process in South Africa has challenges regarding the implemented processes of the drone regulation. Challenges involve delays and there is a call by the drone industry to amend the regulation. This study explores six core elements and life cycle business process management models. The two BPM models were used to guide the development of the business process model to help improve the drone regulation in process in South Africa.