Unmanned Aircraft Regulatory Fees to be Revised from 23 December 2022

This is the first fee revision since the establishment of the Unmanned Aircraft Regulatory Framework in 2015

         The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has completed a comprehensive review of the regulatory fees for unmanned aircraft (UA) operations in Singapore. This is its first fee revision since the regulatory framework for UA operations came into effect in 2015. CAAS will revise nine regulatory fees (see Annex A), while maintaining 14 other regulatory fees at their current rate. One regulatory fee will also be removed (see Annex B).  The revision of these regulatory fees will be phased in over a two-year period, with the first phase effective on 23 December 2022 and the second phase effective on 15 January 2024.

2        Since the Air Navigation Act was amended in 2015 to include the regulation of UA operations, CAAS has progressively put in place key requirements to ensure aviation and public safety, and security. These include:

(a)       the establishment of an operator and activity permit regime to address and mitigate aviation, public safety and security risks associated with some categories of UA operations in 2015;

(b)       the implementation of mandatory registration of any UA with a total mass exceeding 250 grams in Singapore in 2020 to ensure responsible use of UA;

(c)       the introduction of UA pilot training and competency requirements to further enhance safety of UA operations in Singapore in 2021; and

(d)       the setting up of a Central Flight Management System (CFMS) in 2022 to monitor the flights of certain categories of UA on a real-time basis.

3        To facilitate the beneficial use of UA in a nascent industry, fees were kept intentionally low with CAAS absorbing a large proportion of the cost for permits since 2015 and registration since 2020. Over the years, the industry has matured and there has been an increase in both recreational and commercial UA activities. The need for CAAS to absorb the cost for permits has diminished. At the same time, commercial UA operations are becoming more complex, such as shore-to-ship operations, building façade inspections and reservoir monitoring. The increase in volume and complexity in UA operations in our dense urban landscape requires substantive regulatory efforts to mitigate the risks posed by such operations. Consequently, the cost involved in regulating the UA activities in Singapore has also increased due to enhancement of safety oversight activities needed to mitigate the complex risks involved for operations in Singapore. The increase in the permit fees is therefore necessary to reasonably recover the regulatory costs and address rising costs since 2015.

4        CAAS also progressively reviews its regulations to ensure that these continue to be fit-for-purpose while minimising regulatory burden to the industry where possible. For example, in November 2021 CAAS amended its regulations to remove the need to apply for permits for certain categories of operations in the indoor setting, and removed requirements for UA basic training certificate or UA pilot licence for certain activities which are conducted within a place that is not accessible by the public.  

5        Besides reviewing its regulations, CAAS has streamlined the regulatory processes with public agencies and invested in technology to enhance the oversight of UA activities, while continuing to facilitate the safe use of limited airspace. For recreational UA operators, CAAS has set up a dedicated safe flying area which allows UA hobbyists to gather and share safety and flying tips – learning from each other.

Encl.

Annex A – Revised Unmanned Aircraft Regulatory Fees

Annex B – Unchanged or Removed Unmanned Aircraft Regulatory Fees

Annex C – Unmanned Aircraft Regulatory Statistics

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg.

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