163 Singapore
Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white. Near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle. Red denotes brotherhood and equality. White signifies purity and virtue. The waxing crescent moon symbolizes a young nation on the ascendancy. The five stars represent the nation’s ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
The ArtScience Museum on Marina Bay in Singapore resembles a lotus flower. The museum is part of the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino.
Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Government
According to Britannica, Singapore is a unitary parliamentary democracy based on the Westminster model. The president is head of state; until 1991 the largely ceremonial post of president was filled by parliamentary election, but in that year the constitution was amended to allow for the direct popular election of the president and for presidential powers to be expanded. The unicameral Parliament consists of 94 members, of whom 84 are elected and 10 are appointed to terms of up to five years. The parliamentary majority selects the prime minister, who is head of government, and the cabinet from its own ranks, and they in turn form the government. In each constituency there is a Citizens’ Consultative Committee, designed to link local communities to the ruling party.
Close liaison is maintained between the political and administrative arms of government. The administrative structure consists of the various ministries and statutory boards. These are staffed by civil servants who are monitored by an independent Public Service Commission.
Justice is administered by the Supreme Court and by courts of lesser jurisdiction, such as district and magistrates’ courts. Appeals can be made from the lower to the higher courts, with final appeal to the Court of Appeals. A Sharīʿah court has jurisdiction in matters of Islamic law.
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has a mission to “Grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore’s success”. CAAS roles are to enable the growth of the air hub and aviation industry, oversee and promote safety in the industry, provide air navigation services, and develop Singapore as a center of excellence for aviation knowledge and human resource development.
Airspace
SkyVector – Google Maps – ADS-B Exchange
ICAO countries publish an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This document is divided into three parts: General (GEN), En Route (ENR) and Aerodromes (AD). ENR 1.4 details the types of airspace classes they chose to adopt from classes A through G. Singapore AIP
Drone Regulations
Unmanned Aircraft (UA) technology can spur innovation and productivity, bringing benefit to recreational users, educational institutes, the public service and industry. It can enhance the way we work, play and live. However, flying the UA with no regard to safety, can pose danger to aviation and the public, especially in Singapore’s busy airspace and urban landscape.
Before flying UA in Singapore, operators are advised to do the following checks:
No-Fly Zones and Unmanned Aircraft Flying Area
C-UAS
On 31 March 2021, a purpose-built C-UAS Operations Command and Control Centre (OCC) was operationalized. This augments our C-UAS and surveillance capabilities to ensure aviation and public safety.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Regulations & Policies
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) News
2023 – Volocopter – The Launch of Urban Air Mobility in Singapore – A ROADMAP
2023 – Heron AirBridge works to bring AAM operations to Asia-Pacific countries
2024 – Singapore and Supernal Develop Advanced Air Mobility
2024 – Global Sky inks preorder for 15 VoltAero eVTOL aircraft
2024 – CAAS, JCAB to collaborate on developing UAS, AAM regulations
Short Essay Questions
Question 1
You have been hired by a Drone Startup Company. Your boss has immediately assigned this job to you.
They need you to prepare a one-page memo detailing the legalities of using a drone to film a regatta in Marina Bay, pictured above.
They need you to mention any national laws and local ordinances.
They specifically want to know what airspace (insert pictures) you will be operating in and whether or not you need an airspace authorization.
Does it matter whether or not you are a citizen of the country?
Lastly, there is a bonus for you if, as you scroll through this chapter, you find any typos or broken links!
Question 2
Do you need a certificate to fly UAS?
If so, how do you obtain one?
Are there fees associated with this?
If so, how much?
Question 3
May you operate beyond visual line of sight?
If so, what procedures must you follow?
Question 4
Does the country have UAM/AAM laws? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 5
Are you aware of any new laws or policies not mentioned above? If so, describe, citing the exact law or policy.
