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 still important
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
I place my drone in one of the subcategories, so I know which certificates I need. I can find all the information about the training and certificates here.
The table below only applies to drones with class identifications labels. If I fly a drone without a class identification label, I place it in the transitional category.
| Category | Class | Training |
|---|---|---|
| A1 < 250g | C0 | Not required |
| A1 < 900g | C0, C1 | A1/A3 |
| A2 | C0, C1, C2 | A1/A3 + A2 |
| A3 | C0, C1, C2, C3, C4 | A1/A3 |
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:
| Category | Safety distance |
|---|---|
| A1 < 250g | Flying over people
|
| A1 < 900g | Flying over people
|
| A2 | Flying close to people
|
| A3 | Flying far from people
|
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 CE marking: A drone purchased without a CE marking cannot be flown.
Exception: The drone is self-built.
Self-built drones can also be operated in the open category. Pilots are responsible for checking that the drone is correctly built and does not pose a safety risk. In the open category, privately built drones may only be operated in the following two subcategories:
- Subcategory A1: if the weight of the drone (including its payload) is less than 250g and it is flown at a speed of less than 19 m/s.
- Subcategory A3: if the weight of the drone (including its payload), is less than 25kg.
If these criteria cannot be met, the drone is flown in the specific category.
Not new but still important:
- I am aware of the area restrictions
- I always keep visual contact with my drone
- I avoid other aircraft in good time*
- I do not fly over assemblies of people
- I respect the privacy of other people
- I have sufficient insurance cover
* The "see and avoid" principle applies to unmanned aircraft as well. Since an aircraft pilot stands little chance to recognize a small drone early enough, it is the drone pilot’s responsibility to take timely evasive action and to maintain a proper distance from other aircraft at any time.
Further information
The FOCA is available to answer any questions.
Last modification 24.05.2023
