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SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man will be charged on Wednesday (December 30) for alleged offenses under the Air Navigation Act, including taking aerial photographs of Woodlands Checkpoint on several occasions.
The 42-year-old also operated a drone multiple times without a permit, police said in a press release Tuesday.
Police said they received a report on April 5 this year after an unmanned aircraft was spotted in the vicinity of Woodlands Checkpoint.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from the Woodlands Police Division identified the man who had operated the unmanned aircraft.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the man had allegedly operated the unmanned aircraft near Woodlands Checkpoint at an altitude greater than 200 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) without a permit.
He had also allegedly taken aerial photographs of Woodlands Checkpoint, which is a protected area, on three separate occasions this year: March 20, April 3, and April 5.
Police added that the man had also allegedly operated a drone at an altitude above 200 feet AMSL without a permit on Mount Pleasant Road on February 27.
The man faces seven charges under the Air Navigation Act. Each offense carries a fine of up to S $ 50,000, a prison term of up to two years, or both.
READ: Man accused of illegally flying a drone to take photographs of MINDEF’s Gombak base, Gali Batu Depot
Police said they will not tolerate flying an unmanned aircraft in an unsafe and irresponsible manner, as it poses a risk to aviation and public safety.
The public was also advised to abide by regulations on drone flying, especially during holiday celebrations at the end of the year.
“Members of the public who witness any unauthorized drone activity are advised to report their observations to the police.”
READ: 20 Illegal Drone Intrusions Into Changi Airport Airspace In The Past 3 Months: Teo Chee Hean
Users of unmanned aircraft should consult the OneMap.sg website or use the OneMap app to check areas where unmanned aircraft are not allowed to fly unless a permit has been obtained.
Any drone with a total mass greater than 250g must be registered before it can be operated in Singapore.
READ: Singapore’s drone sector takes off with more potential for a variety of uses – Industry players
Starting February 1 next year, certain drone users will also need to obtain a Basic Drone Training Certificate (UABTC) or a Drone Pilot License (UAPL) before operating their aircraft in Singapore. .
Those who fail to submit a UABTC, UAPL, Operator Permit or Activity Permit during a verification check by an enforcement officer of the Singapore Civil Aviation Authority face a maximum fine of S $ 20,000 for their first offense. .
Repeat offenders face a fine of up to S $ 40,000 and / or up to 15 months in jail.
