What Is a CAAS Activity Permit?
A CAAS activity permit is the operational authorisation for every commercial drone flight in Singapore. Unlike the UAPL (which licenses the pilot) or registration (which identifies the aircraft), the activity permit authorises a specific operation at a specific location on specific dates.
Each inspection project requires its own permit. The application includes flight plans, risk assessments, and operator credentials that CAAS reviews before granting authorisation.
Building owners do not apply — we handle all CAAS authorisations. The permit cost and effort are included in our service.
Application Components
Flight Plan
Operational plan with flight area boundaries, altitude limits, patterns, takeoff/landing zones, and duration. Maps and coordinates mandatory.
Risk Assessment
Hazard identification including proximity to buildings, people, vehicles, aircraft. Each risk paired with mitigation and emergency procedures.
Operator Credentials
Pilot UAPL, drone registration, operator certificate, and evidence of training for the planned operation type.
Insurance Documentation
Proof of third-party liability insurance valid for operation dates with adequate coverage for the environment.
Processing Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 2-3 days | Site assessment, flight planning, risk assessment |
| Submission | 1 day | Complete package submitted to CAAS |
| CAAS Review | 10-20 working days | Assessment, airspace coordination, approval |
| Issuance | 1-2 days | Permit with conditions issued |
Total lead time is typically 3-4 weeks. Contact us at least 4 weeks before your desired date, especially for locations needing additional airspace coordination.
Airspace Considerations
- Changi Airport Zone — within 5km requires ATC coordination. We operate here regularly.
- Seletar Airspace — northern locations need specific altitude and timing coordination.
- Paya Lebar Air Base — eastern locations require additional clearance. Usually restricted to specific hours.
- CBD High-Rise — tall buildings may require helicopter route coordination.
- Jurong Island — requires both CAAS permits and JTC security clearances.
- Sentosa — specific restrictions near integrated resort. Alternative scheduling resolves access.
After Permit Approval
Review Conditions
All conditions reviewed — area, altitude, timing, special requirements. Flight plan adjusted if needed.
Schedule Inspection
Coordinate with building management within permit validity. Weather contingency dates planned.
Pre-Flight Briefing
Team reviews conditions, safety procedures, communications. Building management briefed on what to expect.
Execute and Document
Flight conducted within conditions. Logs, times, and deviations documented. Compliance record filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a Facade Job Around the Activity Permit
For a building owner, the Activity Permit is usually the item that sets the earliest possible flight date. CAAS expects applications to be lodged well ahead of the planned operation, typically at least a month, and the application has to describe the exact site, the flight area, the operating heights and the time window. If any of those change after submission, the permit may need to be amended before anyone can fly.
That is why we fix the scope with the owner or MCST before applying: which elevations will be flown, whether rooftop launch points are available, how pedestrian areas below will be cordoned, and which dates suit residents. For buildings that need repeat visits, such as a capture followed by a re-fly of specific bays, CAAS allows a block permit for repeated activities at the same site, which avoids reapplying for each visit.
For a Periodic Facade Inspection, the permit timeline also has to fit around the Competent Person, who must notify BCA beforehand and be on site while the drone is flying. We line up the permit, the CP's notification and the resident notices as one schedule. See how this fits into a drone facade inspection for PFI.
Get a Free Drone Inspection Quote
Tell us about your building or asset. We reply with a fixed-price quote within 2 hours. No obligation.