Incident: Unmanned Aircraft Collision in Singapore - Prosecute the Guilty, Spare the Innocent Drone Operators
In Singapore, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) has recently announced stricter drone regulations, aiming to improve aviation safety and public trust amidst an increasing number of drone incidents. These new measures, set to take effect from December 1, 2025, include the implementation of digital license plates via Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) technology on all drones sold in Singapore.
The new regulations will require drone operators to register their unmanned aircraft and adhere to various restrictions, such as respecting no-fly zones and altitude limits. Registration has been mandatory since January 2020, and pilots with drones heavier than 250g must also pass theory tests. B-RID also deters intentional deception by drone users; broadcasting false identification can result in heavy penalties and possible imprisonment.
The government encourages responsible drone use through community education and targeted enforcement against repeat offenders who violate regulations despite warnings. Notable incidents, such as disruptions at Changi Airport, landing on MRT tracks, and being struck by moving trains, have prompted these stricter measures. The new regulations aim to better manage risks from dangerous or unauthorized drone flights without overly burdening responsible users.
Recent incidents at a condominium in one-north and Methodist Girls' School (MGS) have raised public concerns significantly. The MGS incident involved a remotely controlled plane crashing dangerously close to people, leaving craters upon impact. The pilot of this incident was fined S$7,000 under the Air Navigation Act.
The author, a drone enthusiast, experienced a crash while testing a small, palm-sized drone known as a "tiny whoop" at a local field in Toa Payoh. Despite precautions such as ensuring the field was devoid of people, inspecting equipment, and walking two laps to familiarize themselves with potential obstacles, the drone clipped a tree branch mid-flight and crashed onto the field, resulting in the destruction of its expensive camera system.
The drone was meant for newcomers to practice their skills, and the author had several hours of simulator flights before the flight. The author used the government mapping tool OneMap to confirm they were not within a no-fly zone.
There is a recognition that heavy-handed or reactionary restrictions could stifle innovation in the drone sector, which is important for future uses like drone deliveries and unmanned air taxis. Singapore’s culture of law-abiding behavior means that ordinary citizens are less likely to engage in vigilantism against drone operators, so enforcement relies on official monitoring and penalties rather than public action.
The balance sought is one of “responsible innovation” where technology can thrive safely, maintaining public trust and safety without undue burden on drone enthusiasts and commercial operators. Last year, over 2,300 drone users registered their unmanned aircraft (UA) with the authorities, reflecting the growing popularity of drone usage in Singapore.
Sources: [1] CAAS (2021). Drone Regulations in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.caas.gov.sg/aircraft/unmanned-aircraft/drones/Pages/default.aspx [2] CNA (2020). Drone operators in Singapore must register from January 2020. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/drone-registration-mandatory-from-january-2020-caas-12343148 [3] CNA (2020). Drone operators in Singapore must pass theory tests from January 2021. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/drone-operators-in-singapore-must-pass-theory-tests-from-january-2021-12423540 [4] TODAY (2020). New drone regulations in Singapore from December 2020. Retrieved from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-drone-regulations-singapore-december-2020-0156131
In the realm of technological discourse, the new drone regulations in Singapore, which include the use of Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) technology, have drawn attention from gadget enthusiasts, as they discuss the implications of these changes on their hobby. Given the recent influx of drone incidents, such as the MGS incident and the condominium incident in one-north, the commentary surrounding the stricter regulations leans towards support, as they aim to improve aviation safety and public trust.
