Table of contents
- What is an Unmanned Aircraft?
- Requirements for Recreational Purposes
- Requirements for Educational Purposes
- Requirements for Business / Non-Recreational / Non-Educational Purposes
- Related Articles
Drone Regulations Singapore
Prior to flying your unmanned aircraft (UA) in Singapore, you must first meet the relevant regulatory requirements according to your purpose of activity, total weight of UA, and the location and height at which you plan to fly your UA. Besides Singapore Drone Regulations, you must also consider the permits and licenses you will need in order to fly your drone legally. Articles that elaborate more on those are linked at the bottom of this page.
Requirements for Recreational Purposes
“Recreation Purpose” refers to any pursuit or activity engaged in for enjoyment, relaxation or leisure, but not including —
- a sporting activity that forms part of an organised group activity or organised competition or tournament (such as a flying display); or
- a recreational activity provided by a business, or in the course of business
Examples that are considered under “recreation purpose” include:
- an individual flying a UA for fun in line with CAAS’s operating conditions
- an individual flying a UA higher than 200 feet above mean sea level for aerial photography for personal collection
Weight
Weight of UA less than 250g
There is no need to register your UA. For all UAs above 250g, you will need to register them. Our article on Registration of Unmanned Aircraft describes how to do so.
Weight of UA more than 1.5kg, and less than or equal to 7kg
In addition to registering your UA, you will need to obtain either a UA Basic Training Certificate or a UA Pilot License. Our article on How to Obtain UA Pilot License describes how to do so.
Weight of UA more than 7kg, less than or equal to 25kg
In addition to registering your UA, you will need to obtain a UA Pilot License.
Weight of UA more than 25kg
Regardless of location and height at which you fly your UA, you will need to
- Register your UA
- Obtain UA Pilot License
- Obtain Operator Permit
- Hold a Class 1 Activity Permit
Our article on Permits for UA Operation describes in more detail the permits you will require.
Flying Outdoors
Weight of UA does not exceed 25kg
You will require a Class 2 Activity Permit if you are flying your UA outdoors:
- Above 200 feet above mean sea level; or
- Within any restricted / danger / protected area; or
- Within 5km of any airport or military airbase
Requirements for Educational Purposes
“Education purpose” refers to any lecture, tutorial, seminar, demonstration, class or similar activity on unmanned aircraft, offered or provided by an education institution mentioned in section 72 of the Private Education Act (Cap. 247A) to students enrolled in that education institution. Some examples of education institutions are government schools, the Institute of Technical Education, Polytechnics, NUS, NTU, etc.
Weight
Weight of UA less than 250g
There is no need to register your UA. For all UAs above 250g, you will need to register them. Our article on How to Register Your UA describes how to do so (Link is below).
Weight of UA more than 1.5kg, and less than or equal to 7kg
In addition to registering your UA, you will need to obtain either a UA Basic Training Certificate or a UA Pilot License. Our article on How to Obtain UA Pilot License describes how to do so (Link is below).
Weight of UA more than 7kg, less than or equal to 25kg
Regardless of location and height at which you fly your UA, you will need to
- Register your UA
- Hold a UA Pilot License
- Hold an Operator Permit
- Hold a Class 1 Activity Permit
Our article on Permits for UA Operation describes in more detail the permits you will require (Link is below).
Flying Outdoors
Weight of UA does not exceed 7kg
You will require a Class 2 Activity Permit if you are flying your UA outdoors:
- Above 200 feet above mean sea level; or
- Within any restricted / danger / protected area; or
- Within 5km of any airport or military airbase
Requirements for Business / Non-Recreational / Non-Educational Purposes
Examples of “Non-Recreational / Non-Educational Purpose” are
- a business providing aerial surveying or photography services for a public educational institute
- an organiser conducting competitive UA races
- a warehouse using its UA to take stock of its inventory
- etc.
Weight of UA less than 250g
You will not need to register your UA unless its total weight exceeds 250g.
For all UAs
Regardless of weight of UA, location and height that it is flown, you will need to
- Hold a UA Pilot License
- Hold an Operator Permit
- Hold a Class 1 Activity Permit
Our article on Permits for UA Operation describes in more detail the permits you will require (Link is below).
Flying Outdoors
Weight of UA does not exceed 7kg
You will require a Class 2 Activity Permit if you are flying your UA outdoors:
- Above 200 feet above mean sea level; or
- Within any restricted / danger / protected area; or
- Within 5km of any airport or military airbase
Related Articles
If you’re interested in flying a drone in Singapore, refer to our Singapore Drone Regulation related articles
If you are interested in attending drone flying courses, check out our selection of Drone Courses.
For more information on drone regulatory requirements in Singapore, refer to the CAAS website.
