Friday 3 April 2026
Having heard a lot about the Unmanned Aircraft Flying Area along Dover Road, I decided to visit the area for myself this afternoon, since it was a long-awaited public holiday.
The weather was sunny, and there were a few hobbyists flying their toy drones.
Fig. 1: Hobbyist flying a drone.
Fig. 2: Unmanned Aircraft Flying Area (UAFA) signage.
It was my first time flying the Syma drone outdoors, so was naturally quite apprehensive. Having attended a 1-day drone flying course previously, I understood the limitations of my toy drone.
Unpacking the toy from its box, I could feel the breeze blowing intermittently. Then, I decided to give it a shot.
Fig. 3: Drone front-facing camera ready, and drone motors armed.
Upon take-off, I was hoping the drone could attain a stable hovering position, so as to capture some still photos. Instead, to my horror, the drone began to drift towards the main road nearby, buffeted by rather strong gusts of wind. As I did not want the drone to enter the Singapore Polytechnic compound, which was opposite the main road, I tried to land the drone at once.
Unfortunately, my drone landed in the left lane of Dover Road, and an oncoming police vehicle ran over it.
Fig. 4: The damaged Syma drone, after being run over by a police vehicle.
Lesson learnt? Do not fly too close to a main road, especially for a first outdoor flight.
What a terrible end to my first outdoor UA flight on Friday 3 April 2026.
However, Christians believe that some 2000 years ago, our Messiah – The Lord Jesus Christ, was crucified at Golgotha for all the sins of mankind, hence the name Good Friday.
Therefore, as a believer, I have reason to be upbeat despite the flying mishap this Good Friday.
On Sunday 5 April, I look forward to celebrating the resurrection of Christ our Saviour in church.
Shalom 😇
