The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) administers unmanned aircraft operations through a layered permit system. The framework separates the right to operate (Operator Permit) from the right to conduct specific activities (Activity Permits), with each category carrying distinct requirements.
Operator Permit: The Foundational Requirement
An Operator Permit is granted to organisations or individuals who demonstrate the capability to operate unmanned aircraft safely. CAAS evaluates four areas during the assessment:
- Organisational structure — Clear allocation of responsibilities for safety oversight, maintenance, and operational control
- Safety management procedures — Documented protocols for risk identification, incident reporting, and emergency response
- Airworthiness — Each aircraft must meet condition standards; maintenance records must be current
- Personnel competency — Pilots must demonstrate practical flying skills and regulatory knowledge
The Operator Permit is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. The average processing time is approximately 10 working days, provided all documentation is complete.
CFMS Tracking Requirement
Since June 1, 2022, all Operator Permit holders must subscribe to the Centralised Flight Management System (CFMS) and attach a UA tracker to each aircraft before operations. CFMS enables CAAS to monitor flights in real time and is a mandatory condition of the permit.
Activity Permits: Class 1 and Class 2
In addition to the Operator Permit, specific activities require a separate Activity Permit. CAAS defines two classes:
Class 1 Activity Permit
Required for any of the following scenarios:
- Non-recreational or non-educational operations (commercial aerial photography, surveying, inspection work)
- Recreational use of an aircraft weighing more than 25 kg
- Educational use of an aircraft weighing more than 7 kg
A Class 1 permit applies regardless of location and essentially covers any operation that falls outside purely recreational or educational hobbyist flying with smaller aircraft.
Class 2 Activity Permit
Targets recreational and educational activities conducted under specific elevated-risk conditions:
- Operating above 200 feet above mean sea level
- Flying within 5 km of an aerodrome or air base
- Operating in designated restricted, danger, or protected areas
| Criteria | Class 1 | Class 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Non-recreational / non-educational | Recreational / educational with elevated conditions |
| Weight trigger | >25 kg (recreational) / >7 kg (educational) | Any weight |
| Location factor | Any | Near aerodromes, restricted areas, above 200 ft |
| Common use case | Commercial photography, industrial inspection | Hobbyist flying near Changi or above altitude limit |
2025 Regulatory Amendments
The Air Navigation (101 — Unmanned Aircraft Operations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 introduced changes in two phases:
Phase 1 — Effective February 14, 2025
Immediate amendments focused on CFMS tracking device requirements, including updated technical specifications for tracker hardware and data transmission intervals. Operators using older tracker models were given a transition period to upgrade.
Phase 2 — Effective December 1, 2025
The more significant phase introduced requirements for Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) modules. B-RID enables any nearby receiver — including law enforcement and other airspace users — to identify a drone and its operator in real time, without relying on CFMS server connectivity.
B-RID specifications follow international standards aligned with ASTM F3411 and include:
- Broadcast of UA registration number, position, altitude, and velocity
- Operator location or take-off point
- Transmission via Bluetooth 5.x or Wi-Fi NaN protocol
Aerial Photography Clearance
Obtaining an Operator Permit and Activity Permit does not automatically authorise aerial photography. A separate clearance must be applied for through the GoBusiness licensing portal or the SkySAFE e-service.
The review process involves consultation with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Processing typically takes 14 working days. There is no fee for the clearance itself.
Required documentation includes a detailed flight path plotted on a map and a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), uploaded as a file not exceeding 2 MB.
Penalty Overview
- Flying without registration: up to S$10,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
- Operating in restricted airspace without a permit: up to S$50,000 fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
- Providing false registration information: up to S$10,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment
Where to Apply
- Operator Permit & Activity Permits: CAAS UA Permits page
- Aerial Photography Clearance: SkySAFE Portal
- UA Registration: CAAS UA Portal
Content last reviewed: April 3, 2026 — Sources: CAAS official website, Singapore Statutes Online (S109/2025), GoBusiness licensing directory