About the UAPL and UATO

As of 1 February 2021, users who operate their UA in Singapore under the following conditions are required by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to obtain a UA Pilot License (UAPL):

1. For commercial purpose, or for a purpose that is neither recreational nor educational, regardless of the UA weight; or
2. For either recreational or educational purpose and with a UA of total weight exceeding 7kg.

To qualify for the application of a UAPL, the user must:

1. Pass a theory test administered by CAAS; and
2. Pass a practical assessment conducted by an Authorised Flight Examiner (AFE) within a UA Training and Assessment Organisation (UATO); and
3. Be at least 16 years old at application.

In addition, users are required to undergo a proficiency check once every four years after obtaining their UAPL. From 1 February 2021, it will be an offence to operate any weight of UA for commercial purposes or a UA of total weight exceeding 7kg for recreational or educational purposes without a valid UAPL.

Users who fail to comply with the UAPL requirements could face a fine of up to $50,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or both for a first offence and up to $100,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, or both for a second or subsequent offence. In addition, users who fail to produce a valid UA Basic Training certificate, UAPL, activity or operator permit during the verification checks by CAAS enforcement officers could face a fine up to $20,000 for a first offence, and a fine of up to $40,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 15 months, or both for a second or subsequent offence.

UA users may attend classes conducted by a UATO to prepare for the theory test and practical assessment. Approval of UATO status is issued by CAAS and is required for the conduct of training and practical assessment leading to the issuance of a UAPL specified under Part 4 of the Air Navigation (101 – Unmanned Aircraft Operations) Regulations.