Singapore plans new rules for drones,unmanned aerial vehicles

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport submitted to the Parliament on April 13 a new bill regulating drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Singapore’s Ministry of Transport submitted to the Parliament on April13 a new bill regulating drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Act aims to prevent risks and ensure safe usage of such devices.

Ifapproved, drone operators will have a clearer set of rules to abide by,including regulations on type, weight and requirements for flyingpermits.

Under the new rules, drone operators must get permissionif they fly for commercial purposes or specialised services, such assurveying or flying displays.

Drones are not allowed toexceed 7kg in weight. They are also prohibited from carrying dangerousmaterials such as weapons or bio-chemical or radioactive material.

Thenew bill will also categorise security-sensitive locations as“protected areas” where drones cannot fly within 150 metres without apermit.

Such restrictions will also apply for "specialevent areas", or venues designated for major events, such as some areasused during the Southeast Asian Games. Permits will also be requiredin order to fly within 5km of an airport.

Operators can apply for permits through the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s (CAAS) online application system.

The initiative is considered a temporary move while the governmentinstigates a framework to promote drone usage for civil and commercialpurposes.-VNA

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