Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)

In Focus

New FOCA headquarters

The FOCA is moving!
We look forward to welcoming you to our new headquarters at Papiermühlestrasse 172 in 3063 Ittigen from 14 December 2022.

Switzerland adopts EU drone regulation

From 1 January 2023, drone pilots will be subject to new regulations. The Joint Committee of the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement between Switzerland and the EU approved Switzerland's adoption of the EU drone regulation. For the Swiss drone industry, having a harmonised legal framework with Europe will be an advantage.

Geneva - Dossier après PSIA approved

The dossier prepared on the basis of the Sectoral Aviation Infrastructure Plan (SAIP), submitted by Geneva International Airport is approved. This decision allows, among others, the setting of new permissible noise levels and the introduction of a quota system for night take-offs delayed after 22:00. This step implements the measures defined in the SAIP to limit air traffic noise.

Mandatory use of flight simulators for pilot training and examination

Under European provisions, the training, practical examination and proficiency check for class and type ratings for SPA (single-pilot aeroplanes) and helicopters should be carried out as far as possible in a flight simulator. The systematic use of simulators will result in fewer flights, which will have a positive impact on the environment. Operators have twelve months to comply.

Competency Based Training and Assessement

A new approach to pilot training and testing is gaining ground in the aviation world. The focus is more on the assessment of skills rather than on a series of tasks to be learned. Pilots are assessed on their skills, i.e. a combination of knowledge, ability and attitude, and must demonstrate that they are able to handle threats and errors as well.

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.

Topics

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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