Why are Countries Getting Tough on Drone Flying?

I read a news story recently that Malaysia wants a 14-day heads-up before any drone flights. They also want $50 for each practice flight.

Will every country do this? Will it become impossible for drone pilots to fly anywhere?

I was hassled by forest officials for flying in a totally empty village in a forest area in India. The Forest Guard didn’t know the rules. But, he just told me, “Don’t fly your drone.” Then, he went to get a bribe from the tea seller.

Because drones bug people who don’t fly them. (Even though I love being a drone hobbyist!)

It’s like vaping, but with a camera in the sky.

Hart said:
Because drones bug people who don’t fly them. (Even though I love being a drone hobbyist!)

It’s like vaping, but with a camera in the sky.

I like vaping while flying my quads.

Hart said:
Because drones bug people who don’t fly them. (Even though I love being a drone hobbyist!)

It’s like vaping, but with a camera in the sky.

I have a hard time with this. I try really hard not to bother people. But, I LOVE flying my drone.

@Arlo
That’s me. Out at the weekend. Only about 4 minutes of flying time in 3 hours, because I was worried about bothering people.

Singapore and Malaysia are known for being super strict. So, it doesn’t surprise me that they’re using these tough rules. On the other hand, you may have just run into a corrupt forest guard. In the country where I live, there aren’t strict rules. But, some parts of national parks are no-fly zones to protect the environment and animals.

@Pat
It’s funny because the whole forest area is a free-fly zone (Green zone), according to the Federal (central) government of India.

Moe said:
@Pat
It’s funny because the whole forest area is a free-fly zone (Green zone), according to the Federal (central) government of India.

If you’re a foreigner it’s pretty much illegal to fly a drone in India. According to the megathread about drone laws in India.

And the pdf for the civil aviation India. You must hold a valid Indian passport.

Pat said:

Moe said:
@Pat
It’s funny because the whole forest area is a free-fly zone (Green zone), according to the Federal (central) government of India.

I’m from India. What’s the problem?

If I remember right, didn’t Singapore ban chewing gum? Outlawing drones seems about right, given that.

Pat said:
If I remember right, didn’t Singapore ban chewing gum? Outlawing drones seems about right, given that.

They outlawed selling it. But, you can bring your gum there. It’s also an incredibly clean and great city.

@Lennon
Oh, definitely. I’ve never been. But, it’s on my list. I was just saying that drone rules aren’t crazy when they regulate gum.

Sounds like you needed to bribe the forest guard, too.

Lennon said:
Sounds like you needed to bribe the forest guard, too.

That’s all it was.

I don’t know why you’re grouping Singapore with Malaysia.

In Singapore, drones are sold freely. You only need a license for drones over 250g, like many other countries.

Also, the authorities have started setting up drone flying areas for people to fly freely. You can find all air restrictions for free on the OneMap.sg app.

So, I’m not sure what you mean by Singapore being hostile to drone pilots.

For the safety of the people, I guess.

I thought you couldn’t fly drones at all in Singapore.

Arlo said:
I thought you couldn’t fly drones at all in Singapore.

I saw many drones flying near the Merlion area.

Moe said:

Arlo said:
I thought you couldn’t fly drones at all in Singapore.

I saw many drones flying near the Merlion area.

I tried flying at the Barrage, away from crowds and buildings. Some locals told me to stop, or they’d call the police.

Arlo said:
I thought you couldn’t fly drones at all in Singapore.

You can fly, but in a small percentage of the area. It’s probably about 11% that isn’t a no-fly zone.

Imagine being within 5km of each airport being no-fly zones.

We have 3 military and 2 commercial airports on the small island.

And many important buildings and protected places are also on the list.

Some parks have rules about no drones.

Our rules also say no flying above public roads.

It’s very restrictive. You can fly, but it’s not as fun anymore.