Drone Permit Requirements
Singapore regulates drone operations through CAAS under the Unmanned Aircraft Act. Every commercial operation — facade inspections, roof surveys, industrial assessments — requires proper permits before any flight.
The primary permit is the CAAS activity permit authorising specific operations at a defined location, time, and altitude. Without a valid permit, operations are illegal and data may be invalidated for compliance.
Building owners need not apply — we handle all CAAS permits as part of our service.
Types of Drone Permits
| Permit | Purpose | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Permit | Authorise specific operation | Required for every inspection |
| UAPL | Certify pilot competence | Required for every pilot |
| Registration | Register aircraft with CAAS | All drones |
| Operator Certificate | Certify organisation | Commercial providers |
Application Process
Site Assessment
We assess the location, identify airspace restrictions, map obstacles, and develop the flight plan.
Risk Assessment
Comprehensive documentation covering hazards, mitigations, emergency procedures, and contingency plans.
CAAS Submission
Complete package — flight plan, risk assessment, credentials, registration, insurance — submitted via official portal.
Approval and Conditions
CAAS issues the permit with specific conditions including area, altitude, timing, and special requirements.
Singapore Airspace Considerations
Airport Proximity
Buildings near Changi, Seletar, or Paya Lebar require additional ATC coordination. We manage these regularly.
CBD and Marina Bay
Height restrictions and timing constraints. We schedule inspections during approved windows.
Military Areas
Certain zones restricted. Alternative arrangements available for buildings in these areas.
Jurong Island
Industrial operations require CAAS permits plus JTC security clearances. We coordinate both concurrently.
Why Verify Permit Compliance
- Legal Liability — unpermitted operations expose owners to potential liability.
- Data Validity — data without permits may be rejected for BCA compliance.
- Insurance Coverage — claims voided if operation was unpermitted.
- Penalties — up to $50,000 for unpermitted operations.
- PE Endorsement — PEs may refuse to endorse reports from unpermitted flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Permits From the Client Side: What to Ask Before Booking
If you are booking a drone survey rather than flying one, the question is not which permit to apply for, but whether your provider can legally fly at your address on the dates you need. Two CAAS approvals sit at the core: the organisation's Operator Permit and the Activity Permit for your specific job. The pilot at the controls must also hold a valid Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Licence.
Ask how long the provider expects the Activity Permit to take for your site. Addresses near Changi, Paya Lebar, Seletar or other controlled airspace may need longer and can come with conditions, so a provider who promises a flight date next week for a site under a flight path should explain how. Also ask what happens if weather cancels a flight day, since permits are tied to an approved time window.
For facade inspections under the PFI regime, a separate approval process runs through BCA: the Competent Person notifies BCA before the drone work, and providers outside the SAC accreditation scheme need written approval for each job. Through our partner Competent Persons we can manage both tracks. See our end-to-end PFI service.
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