The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has revealed its intention to enhance the country’s existing regulations for unmanned aircraft (UA) or drones.

With the enhanced UA operating guidelines, CAAS primarily aims to fulfil five goals. The first involves additional guidance to address the importance of understanding UA characteristics, especially limitations offered by drone manufacturers.

Additional guidance is also expected to enable users to modify their UAs in order to ensure the airworthiness of their vehicles.

Secondly, updated regulations expect to make it mandatory for drone pilots to undergo an online training programme to ensure they can fly their vehicles safely.

“The rapid growth in UA activities benefits both the users and the economy but may pose risk to aviation and public safety, particularly in Singapore’s highly urbanised environment.”

The new regulations also aim to introduce a UA pilot licensing framework for certain UA operations, as well as a training organisation.

To be granted by CAAS, the UA pilot licence (UAPL) will include three categories of drones, including aeroplane, rotorcraft and powered-lift. Each category will have ratings depending on whether the total mass of the UA is 25kg or heavier.

Regulations aim to pave the way for additional requirements for persons operating drones weighing more than 25kg, which correspond with the increased safety risk.

CAAS director-general Kevin Shum said: “The rapid growth in UA activities benefits both the users and the economy but may pose risk to aviation and public safety, particularly in Singapore’s highly urbanised environment.

“While we are keen to support the fast-growing UA industry, this always needs to be balanced against the need to maintain high levels of aviation and public safety.”

CAAS further noted that the proposal to enhance the UA regulatory framework is based on a three-year review of the framework implementation, international benchmarking and feedback from UA users in Singapore.

The authority has already started a public consultation seeking feedback from the public on the proposed enhancements to the UA regulatory framework.