Registration of drones a good, overdue move but some questions remain

The Government announced this week that it would introduce a mandatory registration regime for all drones in Singapore, after recent drone intrusions resulted in flight delays at Changi Airport. Larger, more capable drones will have to be licensed while stiffer penalties for errant drone users are also being looked at, the Government added. In response, TODAY readers mostly welcomed the move, saying more stringent rules are needed as drone technology advances.

But some asked why those responsible for the intrusions have not been caught and what happens if long-distance drones are controlled by those outside Singapore.  

Is registration and licensing the most efficient and effective approach? Why can’t we focus on the result — harsher punishment for offenders who cause flight disruption? An analogy — a murder case by knife and we have to license all knives? ELVIS CHUNG 

Don't you just love living in a country where there is a rule or law for everything? ABDUL MALIK MOHAMMED GHAZALI 

Drones have been in the market for quite some time. It's a bit too late. Why did we not foresee these issues from the onset? SANI LIM 

Question: Who was the one who flew the drone into the airfield? What happened to the person? Was there no law previously to deal with this problem? JIM PANG 

If we cannot catch the drone, how can we catch the owner even if it is registered? WAH TAN

Register with a transponder? So their presence can be detected? FRANCIS GEMUK TEO 

It is very difficult to trace a drone when you can build one from scratch… Nowadays, it is easy to get long-distance drones with a first-person view and 360-degree camera, and a 5km to 10km range. FADHLI JAFFAR 

What if the drones were controlled outside the country? WONG CHOON

How would registration and licensing apprehend the user who flew the drone into Changi's airspace? Did the authority catch that person in the end? I own two hobbyist drones and I’m obviously not in favour of this registration and licensing scheme. The authority can look at “anti-drone” devices instead for those with ill intent and raise the punishment. Don’t make law-abiding users pay or regulate too much, please. ERIC KOH 

Eric Koh, unfortunately, you are barking up the wrong tree. You should tell those idiots who flew their drones in restricted areas. They are the ones who are robbing you of your freedom… The authorities have taken a light touch for some time. However, when lives are threatened, enough is enough. When owners of drones do not understand their responsibilities, someone has to act, right? XIAOHAO MOK 

There are always a few bad apples that ruin things for everyone else. SHANNON DECKARD 

I can understand the rationale. Even if you were to shoot the drones down, you need to be able to identify the owner. Registration is the only way. JUN CAI

Excellent move; the quicker, the better. It's better to include all drones regardless of size, and put the onus on sellers to arrange and ensure registration. Also, ensure private imports are covered. We are a small nation and more stringent rules are needed right from the start. Yes, please increase the penalties. BETTY NAH

Registration is good. I own a drone. It protects law-abiding people who want to do just recreational drone-flying without inconveniencing everyone else. It gives visitors an understanding of where to fly and what the penalties will be. There are no buts and ifs. It will be troublesome, but at least it is clear. I wish the authorities would let users know the areas where you can fly via a simple application by the Government. There are apps like Airmap, but they are not written by the Government. YEW LAM NEO 

I saw many flying their drones in public parks, with some having difficulties controlling their devices. Imagine these devices go out of control and hit buildings nearby, or worse, someone in the park. Even when they are registered, there is no guarantee accidents would not happen. YOGO MOJOO 

Drone technology is evolving quickly. It's good that steps are being taken before some people with questionable intent make use of drones to do funny things. NURUL FARAHIN 

It should have been done from the beginning. WILLIAM TAN

Those affecting flight schedules should be fined the equivalent of the number of people affected, multiplied by their hours lost. NG KIAT KUAN 

A longer jail sentence is the deterrent, not more fines. Money is no problem to those who fly drones. TAN KOK TIM

Increase the jail terms. That can really deter errant drone users and serve as a severe warning for those who try to push their luck by disrupting airport operations. AISHWARYA KRIS

These comments were first posted to TODAY’s Facebook page. They have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length.