Four SAFRA clubhouses to trial enclosed drone flying areas at futsal, squash courts for 6 months

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SINGAPORE - Drone enthusiasts will have more places to fly their aircraft from Aug 3, in a new tie-up between the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and SAFRA, said the two organisations in a joint statement on July 30.

In a six-month trial, Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas will be set up at temporarily repurposed futsal and squash courts at four SAFRA clubhouses - at Choa Chu Kang, Mount Faber, Tampines and Toa Payoh - during designated periods each week.

The drone flying areas will be equipped with features such as drone gates for users to sharpen their flying skills. Educational signs on safe flying and good practices will also be put up at the clubhouses.

The public may book time slots for free through the SAFRA mobile app or web portal. They can also join a CAAS community Telegram group to receive regular updates on drone flying areas.

Unlike the existing two drone flying areas at open fields at Pandan Reservoir and Dover, the four new ones will be in enclosed facilities, with the trial aiming to explore if such spaces may be safely repurposed for flying drones.

If the trial is successful, CAAS may provide more community spaces for drone flying as a recreational activity, said Tan Chun Wei, CAAS’ director for Unmanned Systems Technology, Engineering and Planning.

“The usage of UA (unmanned aircraft) is a growing hobby in Singapore. The trial will enable national servicemen and their families to try out UA flying and hone their skills at our clubs,” said Lyndia Tan, SAFRA’s director for Club Management & Events.

SAFRA drone flying trial

• SAFRA Choa Chu Kang futsal court: Mondays (1pm-3pm); Sundays (7am-9am)
• SAFRA Mount Faber futsal court: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (9am-5pm); Weekends (noon-3pm)
• SAFRA Tampines squash court: Weekdays (10am-3pm)
• SAFRA Toa Payoh squash court: Weekdays (10am-3pm)