Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)

In Focus

The air is my realm. Your drone stays at home. - #FlyDronesSafely

#FlyDronesSafely: FOCA information campaign

Switzerland has over 80,000 registered drones and the number is growing all the time. Where can I fly my drone? And where not?

The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is today launching its #FlyDronesSafely campaign to remind drone pilots of the rules and raise awareness of the dangers.

Read the press release

ARIOS - Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required

Helicopters: Switzerland introduces new flight procedure in a first worldwide

The Advanced Rotorcraft Instrument Flight Rules Operation in Switzerland (ARIOS) project aims to ensure safe take-off and landing for helicopters on challenging terrain, at night or in fog. After several years of development, the FOCA, Skyguide and the air rescue organisation Rega are introducing a new flight procedure in Interlaken BE that is unique in Switzerland and worldwide.

Mandatory use of simulators from 1.10.2024

Safe, efficient, environmentally friendly: those are the advantages of flight simulators. EASA stipulates that skill tests and proficiency checks for single-pilot aeroplanes (SPAs) and helicopters must take place on a flight simulator. This rule applies to aeroplanes from 1 October 2024 and to helicopters from 1 June 2025. Thereafter, the FOCA will no longer recognise skill tests and proficiency checks that have not been taken on a simulator.

CO2 and non-CO2 emissions produced by aviation

Aircraft emit CO2 and other exhaust gases during the fuel combustion process. The Federal Council's long-term climate strategy addresses both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions. The FOCA is working internationally to ensure that emissions differences become clearer. The web page recently published by FOCA helps to clarify.

EASA - Unruly passengers - Not on my flight

Unruly passengers: zero tolerance for anyone who threatens flight safety

There were 1,340 incidents of unruly passengers reported in 2022 and 1,347 in 2023. Whether it's smoking on the aircraft, consuming alcohol brought on board, disobeying the rules or instructions of ground staff or cabin crew, riotous behaviour, or physical or verbal aggression: the one thing they all have in common is that they jeopardise passenger safety. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched a campaign to address this issue.

The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is responsible for aviation development and the supervision of civil aviation activities in Switzerland. The FOCA is part of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) and is charged with ensuring that the high safety standards in civil aviation in Switzerland are maintained, and with pursuing a policy of sustainable development.

News

Drones and aircraft models

Regulation and up to date information

Sachplan Verkehr, Teil Infrastruktur Luftfahrt (SIL)

Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP)

The Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP) is the federal government's planning and coordination instrument for civil aviation.

Statistics

Civil aviation statistics comprise data relating to airports and airlines.

Press releases

Note: Most Press releases are only available in German, French and Italian. Please check the FOCA homepage of these languages.

Press Releases

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