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 |
|
|
|
...neither in a club nor according SMV guidelines ("drone") |
|
|
* 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 |
|
|
Restrictions | None |
|
* 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:
- Guide for fixed-wing (DE) (PDF, 616 kB, 07.02.2023)
- Guide for helicopter (DE) (PDF, 434 kB, 14.04.2023)
The FOCA offers the following services:
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)
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)
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)
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)
Further information
Last modification 22.06.2023