Drone regulations in Switzerland

Last update on 31.08.2023 | 13 Kommentare

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

Since the beginning of 2023, Switzerland has now also adopted the rules of the European Drone Ordinance. This has largely harmonized the rules for remote pilots. You only have to register as an operator in one European country (in most cases in the country where you live) and your EU drone license is recognized across countries.

If you want to register in Switzerland, you can do so via this link.

Overview of the European rules that apply in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) apply. The following is a summary of the key facts. For a complete overview, read our article on the new EU drone regulation.

National peculiarities in Switzerland

Each country can define certain aspects of its drone regulations. For Switzerland, the following requirements apply in addition to the European regulations.

Further rules for drone pilots in Switzerland

From a drone weight of 250 grams, liability insurance for drones of at least one million francs is required. You should always have proof of insurance with you.

Safety distances and flight bans

Within a control zone (CTR), the drone may fly at a maximum height of 120 meters, as long as the distance to an airport of 5 kilometers is maintained.

In addition to the already existing geo-zones around airports and in wildlife protection areas, the following geo-zones have been added in Switzerland with the entry into force of the new EU Drone Regulation:

• Military infrastructure
• Airfield Perimeter
• Nuclear power facilities
• Certain energy infrastructures
• Enforcement facilities
• Cantonal areas

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”. Keep in mind that cantons are entitled to make further regulations to reduce the environmental impact and the danger to people and things on earth.

Note: The small, light drones have one advantage! In most air traffic zones (pink), flying drones weighing less than 250 grams is allowed.

Exemption permits can be applied for at the responsible office. A link with further information about the no-fly zone can be found in the respective info box. This is displayed when you click on the zone on the map.

In addition to the restricted areas, changes in airspace in Switzerland are announced via NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen). These partly also apply to drone operators! You can view a map and the NOTAMs in the DABS. These are updated daily at 4pm for the following day.

Minimum age

The minimum age of drone pilots can be set by each country itself. Compared to other countries, Switzerland has set this very low. In the open category, the minimum age for drone operation is 12 years and for operation in the special category it is 14 years. Children under 12 are allowed to fly under the supervision of a person who is at least 16 years old and has the appropriate skills.

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!