On 9 August 2026, National Day Parade temporary restricted areas run from 3.30pm to 11pm in two phases. Drones, kites, captive balloons and free-flight aerial objects are prohibited inside them unless CAAS has expressly permitted the activity. The controlling references checked for this guide are CAAS NDP temporary restricted areas and CAAS no-fly zones.
Choose the branch that matches your case
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Activity is between 3.30pm and 7.30pm | Check the first 9 August TRA map |
| Activity is between 7.30pm and 11pm | Check the second 9 August TRA map |
| Outside the NDP TRA | Still run the normal aerodrome, protected-area and OneMap checks |
| No express CAAS permit | Do not launch inside the restricted area |
The restriction reaches beyond drones
CAAS names kite flying, captive balloons, free-flight objects and unmanned aircraft. A toy or celebratory object can still be an aerial activity. CAAS NDP temporary restricted areas.
Classify the activity before leaving home. This matters because the decision is not complete until the evidence, timing and responsible person agree.
Time changes the map
On 9 August, the earlier phase runs 3.30pm to 7.30pm and the later phase 7.30pm to 11pm, with different annex figures. CAAS no-fly zones.
Check the correct map for the intended launch and recovery time. This matters because the decision is not complete until the evidence, timing and responsible person agree.
The ceiling starts at ground level
The NDP areas extend from ground level to 3,000 feet above mean sea level. CAAS NDP temporary restricted areas.
Do not assume a low flight is exempt. This matters because the decision is not complete until the evidence, timing and responsible person agree.
OneMap is the live preflight
CAAS directs users to OneMap for areas where permits are required or activity is prohibited. CAAS no-fly zones.
Check immediately before activity, not only when planning days earlier. This matters because the decision is not complete until the evidence, timing and responsible person agree.
Ordinary no-fly rules remain
Restrictions within 5km of aerodromes and in danger, prohibited, restricted and protected areas continue outside the temporary NDP overlay. CAAS NDP temporary restricted areas.
A location can fail more than one test. This matters because the decision is not complete until the evidence, timing and responsible person agree.
Penalties are serious
CAAS states a first offence can carry a fine up to S$50,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both, with higher maximums for later offences. CAAS no-fly zones.
A good photograph is not a reason to risk an unpermitted launch. This matters because the decision is not complete until the evidence, timing and responsible person agree.
Use a two-phase 9 august time-and-map selector
Turn the rule into a working aid with columns for the controlling fact, the evidence you hold, the result and the date checked. For this task, the decisive question is to check whether the time and place fall within the temporary restricted area and stop an illegal flight or release. A blank evidence cell is a stop sign, not permission to use a remembered number or a marketing summary.
Test at least two plausible branches from the table above. That comparison shows which fact changes the answer and prevents the most convenient scenario from being treated as the only possible one. Label every arithmetic step as an LBRD calculation and keep the official figure beside it.
Add a layered ndp plus ordinary airspace preflight
The second aid should expose what the first one can hide: a deadline, cost, handover, alternative route or follow-up duty. Write the downside of being wrong beside each branch. Where the consequence is legal, financial, medical or safety-related, the competent authority and case-specific professional decision remain controlling.
Recheck the live source immediately before the irreversible step. Save only the minimum evidence needed, protect personal details, and note any limitation. Record who will act, the last safe date and the evidence that closes the task.
Stop when the evidence no longer matches
Pause the decision if you encounter thinking the rule covers only camera drones, checking only the launch time, assuming low altitude is exempt. Those are not small drafting errors; each can change the eligibility, cost, route or safety outcome described above. Return to CAAS NDP temporary restricted areas for the controlling rule and use CAAS no-fly zones to check the second part of the decision.
If the authority page, account record, booking screen or case document disagrees with this guide, use the live record. Escalate to the named organisation or an appropriately qualified professional when a deadline is running, a child or adult is unwell, a licence or tax position is uncertain, or an irreversible payment is due. Keep the question narrow and provide the facts needed for a case-specific answer.
Work through a realistic example
A family plans to fly a kite near Kallang at 5pm on 9 August. The activity falls within the earlier TRA window and kite flying is expressly included. Unless CAAS has permitted it, the family should choose a ground-based activity instead.
Before you act
- Define the aerial activity
- Set launch and recovery time
- Open the correct TRA map
- Check OneMap
- Check ordinary no-fly zones
- Verify any permit directly
- Cancel if any answer is unclear
Mistakes that change the answer
- Thinking the rule covers only camera drones
- Checking only the launch time
- Assuming low altitude is exempt
- Ignoring ordinary aerodrome restrictions
- Relying on last week’s map
Related LBRD guides
Next, choose a ground-based viewing plan. You can also plan the wider NDP day.
Questions readers ask
Are kites covered?
Yes. CAAS expressly prohibits kite flying in the TRA without permission.
What time does the 9 August restriction end?
The later phase runs to 11pm.
Is activity safe outside the TRA?
Not automatically. General no-fly and permit rules still apply.
