Overview of Regulatory Requirements

CAAS supports innovative and beneficial uses of unmanned aircraft (UA)1 and adopts transformative UA technologies. Our regulations ensure that UA operations can be facilitated while maintaining aviation and public safety.   

CAAS recognises the diversity UA uses in Singapore. The UA regulatory framework is differentiated according to three classifications of UA uses: Recreational, Educational and Business. It is important for all UA users to fulfill the respective regulatory requirements before flying the UA and ensure that all UA operations are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. CAAS takes a serious view of UA users who conduct errant UA operations and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who contravene the regulations.

For Recreational Purposes

If you are flying your UA for recreational purposes, the requirements are as follows:

  If you are flying your UA indoors2: If you are flying your UA outdoors: 
Registration Requirements 
  • Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g.
  • Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g. 
Pilot Requirements
  1. in a place that is publicly accessible3; or
  2. for an event that is attended by more than 50 individuals at any time during the event.
  • You will require a UA Pilot Licence if the total weight of your UA exceeds 7kg, and if you are flying your UA:
  1. in a place that is publicly accessible3; or
  2. for an event that is attended by more than 50 individuals at any time during the event.
  • You will require a UA Pilot Licence if the total weight of your UA exceeds 7kg. 
Permit Requirements
  • You will need a Class 2 Activity Permit if the total weight of your UA does not exceed 25kg, but you are flying your UA:
  1. at an altitude exceeding 200 feet above mean sea level; or
  2. within any restricted / danger / protected area; or
  3. within 5km of any airport or military airbase.
  1. the total weight of your UA exceeds 25kg, regardless of the location and height at which you fly your UA; or
  2. you are flying your UA beyond visual line-of-sight, regardless of the weight of your UA.

For Educational Purposes

If you are flying your UA for educational purposes, the requirements are as follows:

  If you are flying your UA indoors2: If you are flying your UA outdoors: 
Registration Requirements 
  • Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g.
  • Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g. 
Pilot Requirements
  1. in a place that is publicly accessible3; or
  2. for an event that is attended by more than 50 individuals at any time during the event.
  • You will require a UA Pilot Licence if the total weight of your UA exceeds 7kg, and if you are flying your UA:
  1. in a place that is publicly accessible3; or
  2. for an event that is attended by more than 50 individuals at any time during the event.
  • You will require a UA Pilot Licence if the total weight of your UA exceeds 7kg. 
Permit Requirements
  • You will need a Class 2 Activity Permit if the total weight of your UA does not exceed 7kg, but you are flying your UA:
  1. at an altitude exceeding 200 feet above mean sea level; or
  2. within any restricted / danger / protected area; or
  3. within 5km of any airport or military airbase.
  1. the total weight of your UA exceeds 7kg, regardless of the location and height at which you fly your UA; or
  2. you are flying your UA beyond visual line-of-sight, regardless of the weight of your UA.

For Business/Non-Recreational/Non-Educational Purposes

If you are flying your UA for business or non-recreational/non-educational purposes, the requirements are as follows:

  If you are flying your UA indoors2: If you are flying your UA outdoors: 
Registration Requirements 
  • Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g.
  • Register your UA if the total weight exceeds 250g. 
Pilot Requirements
  1. in a place that is publicly accessible3; or
  2. for a sporting activity such as a competitive race or tournament; or
  3. for an event that is attended by more than 50 individuals at any time during the event.
  • Regardless of the weight of your UA, the location and height at which you fly your UA, you will need a UA Pilot Licence.

Permit Requirements
  1. a sporting activity that forms part of an organised group activity or organised competition, race or tournament; or
  2. an event that is attended by more than 50 individuals at any time during the event.



You may also use this user identification wizard to check if you need to register your UA, or require any trainingpermit or licence for your intended UA activity outdoors.

Refer to the Air Navigation (101 - Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations here for more information on UA regulations and penalties, and here for guidance on compliance with the regulations.

 

1 A UA is an aircraft that can be flown or used without any person on board to operate it. Some examples of UA include radio-controlled aircraft, drones and remote-controlled kites.

2 Indoors refers to any place that is enclosed at the top and on all sides (whether permanently or temporarily) so as to prevent the flight of any unmanned aircraft into or out of that place.

3 Publicly accessible, in relation to a place, means that the public or a section of the public has access to the place as of right, or by virtue of any express or implied permission with or without payment of a fee.




Last Updated on 12 September 2023