Drone legislation in Switzerland

Since January 1, 2023 , Switzerland has adopted European drone regulations, harmonizing its laws with those of the European Union. This significant update aims to ensure a high level of safety while fostering the development of this rapidly growing sector. If you own or plan to purchase a drone, it is crucial to understand the new rules administered by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) .

The pillars of the new regulations

For most pilots, the new legislation is based on a few fundamental obligations. Failure to comply with these rules can result in penalties.

• Operator registration: If your drone is equipped with a camera or weighs more than 250 grams, you must register as an operator on the official UAS.gate platform. You will receive an operator number that you must clearly display on all your drones.
• Online training and exam: To fly a drone weighing more than 250 grams, it is mandatory to complete online training and pass the corresponding exam (A1/A3 certificate). This process is also done via the UAS.gate platform.
• Civil liability insurance: Every drone, regardless of its weight, must be covered by civil liability insurance guaranteeing damages up to at least 1 million Swiss francs.

The Open Category: the most common case

The vast majority of low-risk recreational and professional flights fall under the Open Category . This category is itself divided into subcategories (A1, A2, A3) which depend on the drone’s weight and the proximity of the flight to people. The general rules for this category are:

1. The drone must remain in direct visual contact with the pilot (visual line of sight or VLOS).
2. The maximum flight altitude is 120 meters above the ground.
3. It is forbidden to transport dangerous goods or to drop objects.
4. Respect for the privacy of third parties is imperative.

The subcategories in detail:

• A1: Applies to drones weighing less than 250g (class C0) or up to 900g (class C1). Allows flying over uninvolved people, but flying over gatherings of people remains prohibited.
• A2: For drones up to 4kg (class C2). The pilot must hold a supplementary A2 certificate and maintain a horizontal safety distance of at least 30 meters from uninvolved persons (or 5 meters in low-speed mode).
• A3: Applies to heavier drones (up to 25kg, classes C3, C4) or drones without a class designation weighing more than 250g. Flights must be conducted away from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas, and at least 150 meters away from them.

Geographic areas and restrictions

Switzerland has defined geographical areas where the use of drones is restricted or prohibited for safety or environmental protection reasons. These areas include:

• The areas surrounding airports and heliports.
• Nature reserves and wildlife protection areas.
• Military areas and critical infrastructure (prisons, etc.).
• Certain areas during public events or rescue operations.

Before each flight, it is mandatory to consult the OFAC interactive map (available on its website) to check the restrictions in force at the location where you wish to fly.

Conclusion and practical advice

The new Swiss drone legislation, while more structured, primarily aims to ensure everyone’s safety. To fly with complete peace of mind, make sure you are registered, trained, and insured. Always check the map of restricted areas before taking off and always exercise common sense, especially regarding respect for privacy . A responsible pilot is one who can fully and sustainably enjoy their leisure or professional activity.