The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has launched a month-long public consultation exercise to seek public feedback on the proposed implementation plan to support the introduction of a Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) requirement for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The public consultation exercise runs from 2 September through 1 October 2024. The feedback received will help shape the implementation plan.
B-RID uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to transmit information such as the UAS position and serial number, the location of the operator, and the identification reference number of the operator.
From 1 December 2025, CAAS will require all UAS weighing above 250g to be equipped with Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) except where a) the operator of the UA has been granted an Operator Permit and is using the FlyItSafe mobile application during the permitted UAS operation; or b) the UAS is operated indoors or in an enclosed environment.
Singapore’s move follows similar UAS identification requirements in the United States (September 2023) and Europe (January 2024).
The number of UA registered in Singapore has increased from 8,205 in December 2020 to 24,567 in July 2024. The country’s dense urban landscape and competing airspace uses create challenges, which the B-RID requirement aims to address. Many UAS on the market and around half of those registered with CAAS in 2024 are already equipped with built-in B-RID modules. AAS says owners of existing UAS that are not equipped with B-RID must also comply with the new requirement by installing a B-RID module on their system when it is flown.
To facilitate the transition for affected UAS users and support adoption of B-RID, CAAS plans to allow time for compliance and will cover the full cost of the B-RID module unit, inclusive of installation. To qualify, individuals with UAS that are not equipped with B-RID must apply for a B-RID module between 1 January and 31 March 2025. UAS users who do not submit an application to CAAS within this time will have to procure a compliant B-RID module and bear all applicable costs on their own. These modules are expected to cost between S$120 and S$250.
CAAS will also provide educational and guidance materials to UAS users on the purchase of a UAS or B-RID module and the necessary checks to ensure B-RID functionality so that UAS users can purchase an appropriate B-RID module for their system.
Members of the public are invited to provide feedback and comments on the proposed implementation plan between 2 September and 1 October 2024 via the government’s REACH website.
For more information
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
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