To support the growing community of unmanned aircraft (UA) enthusiasts, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has established a second dedicated area for UA flying. Located on Dover Road, the site of the former Warren Golf Course, this new Unmanned Aircraft Flying Area (UAFA) follows the successful launch of the first UAFA at Pandan Reservoir in July 2022.
The new Dover Road UAFA was officially launched on 6 July 2024 by Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Chee Hong Tat. The site offers 0.6 hectares of flying space over land and greenery, offering an advantage compared to Pandan Reservoir, where flying primarily takes place over water. Flying over land will make it easier for UA operators to retrieve any downed drone, minimising potential losses. Additionally, it provides a more accessible environment to UA enthusiasts of all skill levels, including beginners, allowing them to develop their skills with greater confidence.
Similar to the Pandan Reservoir UAFA, the Dover Road site also provides basic on-site amenities such as tables and benches for users to set up their UAs. Feather flags demarcate the boundaries, while signages with information on UA regulations and operating guidelines on-site have been set up to safeguard public safety and promote safe and responsible UA flying.
The establishment of the UAFA was a key recommendation of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advisory Panel. Comprising representatives from key stakeholder groups, the Panel was set up in 2019 to help CAAS review and recommend enhancements to Singapore’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems regulatory framework. The inaugural UAFA at Pandan Reservoir underscores positive feedback from the community towards having such dedicated flying zones. However, flying over water at Pandan can be challenging for beginners, making the Dover Road site a welcome alternative.
The Dover Road site represents another successful multi-agency effort led by CAAS, involving the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), to provide a safe and conducive environment for recreational UA operations.
Strategically located near several educational institutions, including Singapore Polytechnic and Dover Court International School, the Dover Road UAFA fosters a vibrant community space. Students, residents, and enthusiasts can gather, interact, and hone their drone flying skills in a safe and controlled environment. This proximity also facilitates engaging youth outreach programs through educational workshops and collaborative research efforts with institutions on innovative UA applications.
Alongside the new UAFA, CAAS is launching new programmes in collaboration with community partners to promote safe and responsible UA flying. These initiatives include a STEM-Focused UA Programme with the Singapore Scouts Association. Culminating in the Scouts UA Air Badge, it includes workshops at the Dover Road UAFA. At the launch event, 36 Scouts received their UA Air Badges from Minister Chee.
CAAS will also collaborate with the People’s Association to introduce UA workshops for Dover residents and to set up a drone club for drone enthusiasts. In addition, it will partner with the Association of Drone Soccer Singapore to promote drone soccer as a recreational activity, offering training opportunities at the Dover Road UAFA.
The UAFA at Dover Road will run until June 2025. Interested members of the public can join the UAFA community Telegram Chat “UA Flying Areas” to receive regular updates and important notices about the UAFA sites at Dover Road and Pandan Reservoir.
