Where can I buy drones in Singapore? What type of drone should I buy to suit my flights of fancy? What are some Singapore drone laws I should be aware of so that the po-po doesn’t come raining down on my parade? And more importantly, how do I fly drones in the first place? We’re just as fascinated with the buzz behind drones, quadcopters and aerial photography. So we summed up a nifty guide on drones in Singapore to help get you acquainted with these cool gadgets. Aaaaaand…we have lift-off!
Which drone should I buy?
Hype surrounding drones has been increasing exponentially, and it’s no surprise to find an abundance of such gizmos hovering – quite literally – around the market. Don’t spin outta control in your decision-making; we pick some of the best drones in Singapore that you can buy.
For those who like to take their time: DJI Phantom 2 Vision
If you’re the type to sweat bullets when you’re competing against the clock, this drone might be your new BFF. Its 5,200mAh Lipo battery ensures a flight duration of 25 minutes – one of the longest in the recreational drone industry – so you have plenty of time to do pirouettes in the air. Of course, that won’t be the only trick you can pull off with the Phantom 2. Equipped with a 14 Mega Pixel camera that supports HD recordings (1080p30/1080i60) and an ascent speed of 6m/s, you can now capture that stunning bird’s eye view clearly and quickly.
$1,510.74 from Singapore Hobby Supplies
For those who don’t trust their piloting skills: 3DR IRIS+
Drones probably aren’t for you if you’re afraid of operating flying thingamajigs. But the IRIS might just be what you need to help you overcome that fear. Thanks to its Pixhawk autopilot system, you can now pilot like a pro. Manoeuvres like circling, takeoff and landing are easily executable, allowing you to focus primarily on the pic-taking – made steady by its Tarot Brushless Gimbal Kit. Weighing in at slightly over 1.2kg, the IRIS is only one sturdy piece of equipment that stays in the air for 10-15 minutes.
$1,200 from SG Drone
For those who like it cheap and tiny: Hubsan X4 H107D
This drone would be optimal for beginner pilots, or newbies who aren’t sure if they wanna get into the hobby of drone-flying. Its camera quality isn’t gonna help you win any film awards at 0.3 Megapixels, but at 600g and a size that fits in the palm of your hand, the Hubsan X4 is one portable gadget that you can easily slip into your backpack. Its 7-minute flight duration is a bit of a downer, but hey, you gotta start somewhere right?
$105 from Hobby Square LLP
For those who can’t put down their smartphones: Parrot Bebop
As you might’ve figured, this is one popular quadcopter that you can control with your Smartphone. Parrot’s Free Flight 3 app makes everything a cinch, including takeoff and landing that you can initiate with a single push of a button. It might seem flimsy at just 400g, but its foam bumpers prevent it from ripping apart when colliding into things – and trust us, you will crash. Though it lacks traditional gimbals that help stabilise image captures, the Bebop makes use of anti-vibration algorithms to prevent your video from looking like a panicky scene from a monster movie.
$799 from Newstead Technologies
For those who easily lose things: Yuneec Q500 Typhoon
More often than not, you’re gonna get carried away with your flying antics and propel your drone into some faraway forest, never to be seen again. This quadcopter prevents such a crisis from arising with its three different flight modes – including a Smart Mode that establishes a 26’ “Safe Circle” around the pilot to make sure visibility isn’t lost. The Typhoon also ascends to a staggering height of 400 feet above ground level, and its 130-degree field of view allows you to capture vast, panoramic views. Its 25-minute flight time is another nice touch.
$1654.21 from RadioControl-Sports
For those who wanna deploy the big guns: SteadiDRONE FLARE
Though chunky in the weight department at 2.2kg, the FLARE is one drone that you can trust with durability. Its high-strength, impact-resistant top dome guards its inner circuits, and its “Rapid Deploy” folding air frame design does away with the encumberance of tools when fiddling with its electronics. Gimbals can tilt at 180 degrees in either direction to facilitate inspection work, and its ‘Follow Me’ function allows the FLARE to ‘tag’ along wherever you go. You’re also capable of attaching any compact digital camera, weighing up to 250g.
$2999 from The Drone Shop
For those addicted to speed: Walkera Runner 250
Perhaps you don’t want a drone to take pretty pictures; perhaps you want one to unleash your inner speed demon. With FPV (first-person view) racing on the rise, the Runner 250 is one turbo-charged contender that will satiate your need for speed. Front and rear LED lights help you keep track of your drone when you’re leaving others in the dust, and its tough frame allows it to stay intact even after inevitable wipeouts. It flies for 12-14 minutes, but that’s enough for you to break that race record right?
$670 from Rotor Hobby
For those who like racing on a budget: Robocat 280MM
Your heart aches when you crash your beloved drone into a tree, we get it. But if you’re gonna be swooshing and air-drifting at top speed, let’s face it, such accidents are bound to happen. Good thing you have affordable options like the Robocat, to determine if you’re patient and gutsy enough to endure such training. Despite being just 410g, the Robocat is much sturdier than it seems, with a shock-absorbant hood that protects its mechanics. It’s also powered by m2204-2300kv motors, providing a ride that p urrs and punches all at once.
$105 from Sky Hobbies Singapore
Anyone can fly a drone! You just gotta know where to look.
How do I fly a drone?
We’re not exactly experts when it comes to manning these aerial contraptions, but at least we can steer you in the right direction to peeps who are. For starters, you can visit forums like www.meetup.com/dronesg/ that’ll hook you up with air aficionados and drone-savvy daredevils. Likewise, you can immerse yourself in the action and obtain some first-hand tips from pilots who frequent the open fields in Punggol, Tuas and Old Holland Road. But if you’d rather be schooled (for real), you can always sign up for Republic Polytechnic’s two-day course on Drone-Based Aerial Videography And Photography. You’ll learn everything from pre-flight checks to capturing aerial shots, to simulation training in different flying modes. And the best part? It’s open to public!
Know the rules before flying!
Singapore drone laws you should know
Flying a drone ain’t like flying a kite. As fun and frolicsome as it may be, flying a drone is governed by certain laws in Singapore, enacted in June 2015 to ensure the safety of others. Here are some pointers to take note of.
Stay away from protected places
While you might have good intentions in your aerial mapping expedition, the authorities feel that some secrets should remain hidden. As such, you can’t fly your drone within 5km of a protected area – including airports and air bases.
Don’t fly too high
Unfortunately, you can’t quite reach for the stars, even if your drone’s physically capable of busting through the stratosphere. Watch your altitude while flying; you can’t soar higher than 61 metres above mean sea level.
Watch your weight
Not you, silly. Flying a drone is fit for people of all shapes and sizes. Sadly, this doesn’t apply to drones; you need a permit to fly if your drone’s heavier than 7kg. However, this hardly impedes recreational users since most drones weight far below that threshold.
Apply for a permit before you can point and click
Before you go trigger-happy with your drone, do bear in mind that all activities of aerial photography require an application to the Civil Aviation Authority Of Singapore. This also applies to instances of surveying and aerial advertising.
Don’t attach anything dangerous
We don’t quite understand why anyone would do this consciously. But you do run the risk of a hefty $100,000 fine (and a five-year jail stint) if you’re found lugging arms and explosives, biological agents, radioactive material or dangerous fireworks on your drone. Then again, why would you even have these things?
There are plenty of retail stores and local-based websites in Singapore to snag a drone.
Where to buy drones in Singapore
Unlike drones, you won’t have to find yourself flying across continents just to get your hands on these babies. Snagging one for yourself is easier than you think; you can either walk into a store and snap one off the shelves, or break no sweat by purchasing a drone online from several Singapore-based websites. Shop away!
Radio Control-Sports, 150 South Bridge Road, #01-07 Fook Hai Building Singapore 058727, 6533 5332
Rotor Hobby, Blk 809 French Road, #02-37 Kitchener Complex, Singapore 200809, 6296 3686
Hobby Square LLP, 1 Rochor Canal Road, #02-60 Sim Lim Square, Singapore 188504, 6338 1934
Singapore Hobby Supplies, 150 South Bridge Road, #B1-23 Fook Hai Building, Singapore 058727, 6532 1993
The Drone Shop, 3 South Buona Vista Road, #01-29 Viva Vista, Singapore 118136, 8725 5730
Newstead Technologies, 109 North Bridge Road, #03-38 Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore 179 097, 6339 8239
Sky Hobbies Singapore, www.skyhobbies.com.sg
SG Drone, www.sgdrone.com