On this page you will find the latest information about drones.
11.01.2023 - FOCA webinar on new rules for drones in Switzerland
11.01.2023 - Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) on Containment (SORA 2.0 Step 9)
22.12.2022 - Certificates: Validity and transition A2
25.11.2022 - Switzerland adopts EU drone regulation
For operation in the certified category:
As of January 1, 2023, new drone rules have come into force in Switzerland. As these rules entail many innovations, the FOCA is holding several webinars on this subject. More information on content and registration:
In addition, the FOCA has created a questionnaire with the aim of making the webinars as user-oriented as possible. All participants are therefore encouraged to complete this survey when registering.
FOCA has issued an Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC) to change the containment requirements and the assessment of their need as currently found in Step 9 of SORA 2.0
The details of this AltMoC are available on the SORA page.
Pilot certificates issued in UAS.gate before Jan. 1, 2023, will remain valid after the European Drone Regulation takes effect.
Transition of the exam for the A2 certificate:
- Until Jan. 22, 2023, the exam for the A2 certificate can still be taken online.
- From February 2023, the exam must be taken at the FOCA in Ittigen.
The FOCA is examining the possibility of offering the A2 examinations decentrally and/or outsourcing them in the medium term.
The EU drone regulation applies in Switzerland from 1 January 2023. It specifies three different categories for the operation of drones: open, specific and certified. The main changes are outlined below.
For operation in the open category:
- Mandatory registration via UAS.gate
- Training with examination as specified in the sub-category (A1, A2, A3).
- Minimum age for drone pilots of 12
- Minimum distance from uninvolved persons as specified in the sub-category.
- Maximum flight altitude of 120m above ground level
- Drones must bear a CE marking and a class identification label. The transitional provisions apply to drones without a class identification label.
For operation in the specific category:
- New permit procedures are available (EU-STS, PDRA, LUC)
- The FOCA may outsource some official duties. The entities involved in the authorisation procedure will be properly qualified and training will be carried out by recognised entities.
- The transitional provisions apply to certain areas:
For operation in the certified category:
The certified category mainly concerns the transport of passengers by drone (air taxis). These provisions are still being drawn up. It may be several years before they enter into force.
Last modification 11.01.2023
