Model aircraft

Model aircraft flying is a leisure activity with numerous enthusiasts from young to old and covers a wide spectrum: from the youthful approach to flying and technology to ambitious scale large models. This page is intended to provide an overview of the current privileges and obligations for the Swiss model aviation.

In Switzerland, about 15'000 people practice model aircraft flying, of which about 8'000 are active as members in the 190 clubs of the Swiss Model Aircraft Association (SMV). The SMV represents the interests of the model aircraft sport and was able to negotiate far-reaching privileges when the EU drone regulation was introduced. For the privileges and obligations in model aircraft flying, besides the take-off weight, it is also decisive whether the operation takes place within the scope of a club/association, on the basis of the SMV guidelines or not. The following table shows the different possibilities:

Operation...	< 25kg	25kg - 30kg	> 30kg
...in a club/association, according SMV guidelines	Operational privileges No authorization by the FOCA needed*		Operational privileges Large-model authorization by the FOCA needed
...neither in a club nor according SMV guidelines ("drone")	Operation according to Open-A3 No authorization by the FOCA needed	Operation according to Specific category Authorization by the FOCA needed

* The FOCA optionally offers the large model authorization for models > 25kg for operation abroad.

Operation within the scope of a club/association

The conditions for the application of the privileged rules are met if you:

are either a member of the SMV; or
commit to comply with the SMV guidelines by means of a declaration. The declaration as well as the guidelines ("Code of Good Practice") are available on the SMV page and must be signed and carried along.

The Privileges are subject to weight-dependent rules, which are shown in the following table:

Operation	≤ 250g	> 250g
General	Minimum age of unsupervised pilots: 5 years Model aircraft is flown in visual line of sight Do not fly in a negligent or intentionally risky manner Respect protected areas for wildlife (yellow zones on the drone map)
Restrictions	None	Within a magenta zone of the drone map (i.e. 5km radius to aerodrome) a permit of the aerodrome management is required. Within a magenta shaded* zone of the drone map (i.e. outside 5km to aerodrome*, but within CTR) the maximum allowed flight altitude is 150m above ground. Exceptions can be requested using the SFO tool. Operation closer than 100m to crowds is not allowed. Exception: Public air shows.

* 5km from runways of a civil/military aerodrome or a reduced geographical zone.

Operation at public air shows

The operation at pure model airshows is not regulated by the FOCA and is carried out on individual responsibility. If model aircraft take part in an air show with manned aircraft, a special permit must be obtained from the FOCA in due time.

Large models subject to authorization

Model aircraft with a take-off weight of more than 30kg may only be operated with a permit from the FOCA. The FOCA determines the licensing requirements and the operating conditions on a case-by-case basis. For this purpose, the FOCA has published guides for the construction of a fixed-wing or helicopter model aircraft:

The FOCA offers the following services:

Initial permit for a model aircraft

The FOCA reviews the application and the required documents and assesses the model during an inspection. If the inspection is successful, a permit valid for 2 years is issued.

Processing time: Approx. 3 months
Costs: Depending on effort, max. CHF5'000
Application form: Application - Initial approval (DE) (PDF, 136 kB, 07.02.2023)

Extension of an operating permit

In order to extend the operating permit, the corresponding application must be submitted to the FOCA together with the documents required therein. To ensure a smooth transition of the permit, the application for extension should be submitted well in advance of the expiration date.

Processing time: Approx. 2 weeks
Costs: CHF90
Application form: Application - Extension (PDF, 105 kB, 07.02.2023)

Modification of an operating permit

Fundamental changes to an already permitted model aircraft (e.g. propulsion, modifications, remote control, major repairs, etc.), or changes of address, sale, change of owner, must be reported to the FOCA. A new operating license will be issued.

Processing time: Approx. 2 weeks
Costs: CHF90 for the permit plus any additional costs
Application form: Application - Modification (PDF, 108 kB, 07.02.2023)

Validation of foreign operating permit

A foreign model aircraft may only be flown in Switzerland with a valid permit validated by the FOCA. For this purpose, a current valid permit of the corresponding country of origin must be presented for the model aircraft.

Processing time: Min. 2 weeks
Costs: CHF90 for the permit plus possible additional costs
Application form: Application - Validation (PDF, 107 kB, 07.02.2023)