CAAS To Develop Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management System

12 December 2024

New system will provide a one stop portal for all unmanned aircraft (UA) applications and
enhance situational awareness of all UA operations

2            The UTMS will provide a one-stop portal for UA users to register a UA, apply for UA operator and activity permits and pilot licences, and provide the location of their UA in flight. The UTMS will also allow government agencies (including CAAS, the Singapore Police Force, The Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, PUB, and the National Parks Board) to access and assess these applications on a single platform. These functions are currently performed via five disparate digital systems¹ which require multiple and duplicative data entry and data transfer. The consolidation and integration of all regulatory functions onto one single platform will streamline application processes and improve user experiences. It will also speed up regulatory approvals as multiple government agencies can access and assess the application simultaneously, and exchange information on the availability of airspace and the imposition of restrictions such as no-fly zones. The portal will come with a user-friendly interface and can be accessed via the web or a mobile application. 

3            At the same time, the UTMS will provide agencies and UA users real-time situational awareness of both commercial and recreational UA operations. This will allow agencies more effective detection and enforcement against non-cooperative UA, for example a UA which has not been registered and non-conforming UA, such as a UA operating out of its approved area or time. For UA users, it will provide real-time information on all UA operations within their areas of operation. The greater situational awareness will enable better planning and execution.

4            With the real-time information on UA operations provided by the new system, CAAS and the government agencies would be able to better deconflict manned and unmanned aircraft, and between unmanned aircraft operations. Coupled with the feature to provide real-time notifications to UA users, the use of our airspace could be further optimised while ensuring public and aviation safety, and security. Data collected will allow agencies to identify low-risk locations where approval for use could be provided on an expedited basis. This will greatly reduce the permits processing time for applications that are considered less complex.

5            Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General, CAAS said, “As the regulator and sector lead for unmanned aircraft operations in Singapore, CAAS is committed to leveraging technology to support the growth of the sector in a manner that ensures aviation and public safety and security. The new system will boost our regulatory capabilities while reducing regulatory burden and improving user experience.”

 

1 UA registration portal, Civil Aviation Personnel Licensing System (CAPELs), SGFlight, Enterprise Safety Oversight Management System (eSOMS) & Centralised Flight Management System (CFMS)

About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation. For more information, visit www.caas.gov.sg.

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