Drone regulations in Switzerland

Last update on 23.07.2022 | 13 Kommentare

Switzerland regulates the handling of drones quite uncomplicatedly. Here you find the regulations for copter pilots in Switzerland.

As already said, the rules for the use of drones are very liberal in Switzerland. However, the public is very sensitized, and many pilots describe that the police intervene quite quickly. Therefore, it is always advisable to have a printout of the current rules as well as a map with airfields in the area. So you have a better position when it comes to questions.

Overview: Drone rules in Switzerland

Further rules for drone pilots in Switzerland

Within a control zone (CTR), the drone is allowed to fly a maximum of 150 meters high as long as the distance of 5 kilometers to an airport is maintained. Also outside the control zones, I recommend not to fly above 150 meters. However, a legal limit is not known to me.

You should also operate your copter in remote areas only in the visual line of sight. If you are running FPV flights with a monitor or video glasses, a spotter must keep an eye on the drone and be in direct contact with you. Besides, the spotter requires their own remote control, which can directly influence the drone’s flight behavior. For FPV flights with video glasses outside the visibility, a special license is required by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Meanwhile, several readers have pointed out to me that these rules are known to many civilians in Switzerland and are often controlled. That is why I emphasize these requirements especially here. The fact that I do not explicitly list the visibility rules for other countries does not mean that these rules do not apply.

From a drone weight of 500 grams, liability insurance for drones of at least one million francs is required. You should always have proof of insurance with you.

Drones may be launched up to a weight of 30 kilograms without prior authorization, drones under 500 grams may even fly near airports. But in those areas, we recommend using common sense.

Safety distances and flight bans

You have to keep a distance of 5 kilometers to airports in Switzerland.

A distance of at least 100 meters shall be maintained to gatherings of people of more than 24 persons. During model sports events or airshows, drones may be flown despite crowds, if coordination with the organizer has taken place. Do not fly over military property.

Cantons and municipalities are entitled to make further rules. There is a drone ban near public buildings (radius of 300 meters) in the Canton of Geneva.

Flight ban zones are shown on this interactive map. Alternatively, you can identify other restricted areas such as nature reserves and bird reserves with the app “swisstopo”.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Switzerland to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Switzerland!