The Singapore agency responsible for drone safety, CAAS, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Singapore?
According to the CAAS, flying drones is legal in Singapore, but specific regulations must be strictly followed. Continue reading for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Singapore:
All drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered in Singapore.
Recreational pilots operating drones weighing between 1.5 and 7 kilograms must complete UA Basic Training.
A permit is not required to fly a drone that weighs less than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and is flown at a height of fewer than 200 feet.
A permit is required if the drone weighs more than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) or is flown above 60 meters (200 feet).
Drones are not permitted to fly over people or crowds.
Drones must avoid interfering with emergency response personnel or flying over vehicles where their presence could distract the driver.
Drones cannot be flown within an airport’s 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) radius.
Drones are permitted to be flown only during daylight hours. You may fly your unmanned aircraft (UA) at night if you can maintain a visual line of sight with your UA at all times. You must ensure enhanced lighting on your UA for greater visibility when flying at night.
Drone pilots must always maintain visual contact with their drones.
Drone Registration Requirements in Singapore?
Only individuals aged 16 and older are eligible to register drones.
Two steps are required for registration:
First, you must order a registration label and prominently display it on the exterior of a non-removable drone part (not on the battery or propellers).
Register Online.
Singapore requires drone pilots to obtain a permit to fly in any of the following circumstances:
Flights greater than 200 feet
Aeronautical flights in restricted airspace
For all business-related flights (i.e., commercial flights)
Singapore UA Pilot Licence
Users who operate their UA under the following conditions are required to obtain a UA Pilot Licence (UAPL), commonly referred to as Drone License Singapore:
For commercial purposes or for a purpose that is neither recreational nor educational, regardless of the UA weight or
For recreational or educational purposes and with a UA of total weight exceeding 7kg.
However, a UAPL is not required within an indoor location that is not publicly accessible, except when the purpose is for:
a sporting activity such as a competitive race or tournament, or
An event that more than 50 individuals attend at any time during the event.
To obtain a UAPL, you must:a) Pass a theory test administered by CAAS;b) Pass a practical assessment conducted by an Authorised Flight Examiner within a UA training and assessment organisation (UATO); andc) Be at least 16 years old at the point of UAPL application.
You are strongly encouraged to complete a training programme with any CAAS-approved UATOs to acquire the relevant theoretical knowledge and practical experience before attempting the theory test and practical assessment. The list of CAAS-approved UATOs is published here.
Please click here to book a theory test. Upon passing both the theory test and practical assessment, please click here to apply for a UAPL.