SINGAPORE - The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has
launched a one-stop online portal on its website for operators of
unmanned aircraft - also known as drones - to apply for the
necessary permits.
This move comes after Parliament approved the Unmanned Aircraft
(Public Safety and Security) Bill in May, which introduces new laws
that regulate the use of drones starting this month.
According to the CAAS, two different types of permits (operator and
activity) are required for drones that weigh more than 7kg. Those
who fly drones for business purposes will also need both
permits.
Recreational drone users need not apply for permits as long as
their machines weigh less than 7kg, although they will need an
activity permit if the drone is flown in restricted areas or within
5km of an aerodrome.
Additional permits are needed if operators plan to drop substances
and items from drones, if the drone's radio frequencies and powers
limits are not within the Infocomm Development Authority of
Singapore's (IDA) guidelines or if drones are being flown over
gazetted protected areas such as the Istana and Parliament
House.
Photographs of protected areas taken by drones are not also not
allowed without an additional permit.
The average processing time for an application, said CAAS, is two
weeks.
To apply, click here.
For the CAAS' safety advisory issued to recreational drone users
who do not require a permit, click here.
ST