The open category deals with drone operation which does not require authorisation from the FOCA. It is divided into three sub-categories: A1, A2, A3. The vast majority of drones are operated in the open category. Model flying clubs and associations are exempt from this new regulation.
*Switzerland adopted EU drone regulation on 1 January 2023*
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) is not responsible for drone operations outside Switzerland. If you plan to operate your drone in another country, you must find out what regulations apply there. The rules, e.g. regarding airspace clearances, safety precautions and authorisations, may vary from country to country.
An overview of the National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) of the various countries can be found under the following link:
National Aviation Authorities – EASA
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.
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 |
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.
! In the open category I am generally not allowed to fly over assemblies of people !
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) |
|
| A1 (< 900g) |
|
| A2 |
|
| A3 |
*FOCA's Guidance on point 2: The intent of point 2 above is that the operation is conducted in an area where no uninvolved person will be endangered within the range where the unmanned aircraft is flown. The remote pilot shall thus ensure a minimum horizontal distance of 150m from areas where, at the time of the operation, 10 or more uninvolved people, contained within a radius of 100m, are present. It is the responsibility of the remote pilot to evaluate the area by means of an on-site inspection prior to the start and during the operation, and to determine whether the operational environment complies with the limitations above. See examples here. |
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.
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:
If these criteria cannot be met, the drone is flown in the specific category.
* 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.
Last modification 13.12.2024
