Wee Ka Siong: Transport Ministry to introduce an online drone flight permit application system

During a recent workshop on drones and unmanned aerial systems organised by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Transport Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong has announced that the government is looking at amending the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016. A key part of these proposed amendments would be the implementation of ‘an efficient and integrated online system’ for drone flight permit applications.

CAAM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chester Voo meanwhile added that once the amendments to the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 are made, only then will the CAAM introduce the aforementioned online drone flight permit application system, dubbed the Unmatted Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM).

UTM is expected to be ready by October of next year, and according to Voo should shorten the current wait times for drone flight permits from 14 days to just a day. It will also help speed up drone flight permit approvals for use during emergency situations like how they were deployed during the floods that hit Selangor late last year.

“The UTM system will be a platform for drone ownership registration and drone flight permit applications as well as to facilitate the monitoring and investigation process in the event of an unwanted incident during flight,” – Datuk Chester Voo, CAAM CEO

According to Dr Wee, the usage of drone and unmanned aerial systems in Malaysia has gotten a lot more widespread in recent years, which also brings a lot more potential risks. As such, it needs to be managed well, which falls under the purview of the CAAM. Wee also believes that the new amendments as well as the online drone flight permit application system will help educate the public on the importance of using drones in a controlled and safe manner.

Currently, the CAAM splits drones into three different categories: small unmanned aircraft system, small unmanned surveillance aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems over 20kg. Due to the vague definitions, almost all drones with a camera fall under the second category, and you’ll need to get drone operating permits from CAAM based on what you plan to do with it. In order to do so, you’ll need to apply for drone permits by manually downloading them off the CAAM website and fill them out, before sending it over to CAAM.

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