Switzerland is adopting EU drone regulation on 1 January 2023

The open category governs the operation of drones generally flown without authorisation from the FOCA. The open category is divided into three sub-categories: A1, A2, A3. The vast majority of drones are operated in the open category. This page highlights the key points to bear in mind.
What are the new requirements from 1 January 2023?
- 1. Mandatory registration on the UAS.gate platform
- 2. Training and examination as specified in the sub-category (A1, A2, A3).
- 3. Minimum age for drone pilots of 12
- 4. Minimum distance from uninvolved persons as specified in the sub-category
- 5. Maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level
- 6. Drones need to have a class identification label
Not new but important points:
- I am aware of the area restrictions
- I always keep visual contact with my drone
- I do not fly over assemblies of people
- I respect the privacy of other people
- I have sufficient insurance cover
1. I have registered
Registration is mandatory for all drone pilots. Exception: The drone weighs less than 250g and is not equipped with a camera, sensor or any other kind of device for recording personal data.
2. I complete the training and take an examination appropriate to my sub-category
If I fly a drone that weighs over 250g I am required to complete training and take an examination via UAS.gate. The scope and format of the training and examination depend on the sub-category (A1, A2, A3) in which I fly my drone. Certificates issued on the official platform UAS.gate before the EU drone regulation entered into force in Switzerland remain valid. Pilots will be able to download an updated version of the certificate with the EU logo in their UAS.gate profile from around February 2023.
Category | Class | Weight | Training | Safety distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
A1 | C0 | <250g | Not required |
Flying over people
|
A1 | C0, C1 |
<900g | A1/A3 | Flying over people
|
A2 | C2 | <4kg | A1/A3 + A2 |
Flying close to people
|
A3 | C2, C3, C4 |
<25kg | A1/A3 | Flying far from people
|
3. I meet the minimum age requirement
I am at least 12 years old or fly my drone under the supervision of an accompanying person who is at least 16 years of age and has the required skills.
4. I keep the minimum horizontal distance from uninvolved persons
When I fly a drone, I must keep a minimum horizontal distance from persons who are not involved in the flight. The distance depends on the sub-category (A1, A2, A3) in which I fly my drone (see point 2).
5. Maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level
A maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level now applies in the open category. Authorisation must be obtained from the FOCA to fly higher.
6. I fly a compliant drone
My drone must bear a class identification label (C0, C1, C2, C3, C4) and a CE marking:
- If my drone does not bear the class identification label, transitional provisions will apply to me with slightly more restrictive rules.
- A drone purchased without a CE marking cannot be flown (exception: The drone is self-built).
Further information
Last modification 09.01.2023