Singapore fined DJI Mavic Air 2 owner for photographing a girl near a military base

A court fined a Chinese student at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore $3,500 for photographing and videotaping his girlfriend near a military base.

Here's What We Know

Xiong Zi Zhou, 25, used a DJI Mavic Air 2 drone in the university's Yunan Garden on June 1, 2021. The Chinese company's quadcopter came under the radar of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), it rose to an altitude of more than 150 meters, and the park is located within 5 kilometers of the military base "Tengah" (Tengah)

Specialists were able to locate the drone using a DJI Aeroscope. A team was then sent to the park to arrest the Chinese student and seize the quadcopter. Through the logbook, it was determined that the total flight time of the DJI Mavic Air 2 was 18 minutes.

In Singapore, owners of drones weighing up to 25 kilograms that are used for recreational purposes must obtain a Class 2 permit to fly. An identical license is required for flights at an altitude of 60 meters or within a 5 km radius of military installations, i.e. the student was able to violate two restrictions with one flight.

University promotional video (not filmed by a student)

Xiong Tzu Zhou did not apply for a permit. The violation could have cost the Chinese student two years in prison and/or a $35,000 fine. However, the guy got lucky. The trial took place last week. The student pleaded guilty and will pay a $35,000 fine.

Source: DroneDJ

Image: Pat Kay