ID :
363370
Tue, 04/14/2015 - 09:17
Auther :

Bill To Regulate Use Of Unmanned Aircraft Tabled In Singapore's Parliament

SINGAPORE, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) are enhancing the regulatory and permit framework for unmanned aircraft operations in Singapore. This is to facilitate their usage while mitigating associated aviation safety, public safety and security risks. The enhancements to the regulatory and permit framework are expected to take effect on June 1, 2015 after the necessary legislative processes are completed. In a joint statement, the authorities said the Unmanned Aircraft (Public Safety and Security) Bill had been introduced for the first reading in Parliament on Monday. The Bill proposes amendments to the Air Navigation Act (ANA) and Public Order Act (POA) for the management of public safety and security risks arising from the operations of unmanned aircraft. The Air Navigation Order (ANO), a subsidiary legislation of the ANA, is also being amended to enhance the aviation and public safety regime for unmanned aircraft operations. The use of unmanned aircraft, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, is becoming increasingly popular, including in Singapore. Today, unmanned aircraft are used for a range of purposes, such as the delivery of goods, aerial filming and photography, search and rescue, and inspection of infrastructure and facilities. If not carried out properly, the authorities said, the operation of unmanned aircraft might pose a risk to aviation safety, public safety and security. Despite the safety features in some unmanned aircraft, mechanical malfunction, loss of control link or human error could cause operators to lose control of the aircraft in flight. To facilitate applications for any of the permits, CAAS will serve as a one-stop centre for the submission of permit applications beginning June 1. --BERNAMA

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