18.8.2021 - The FOCA has published the UAS.gate, a new platform for drone pilots. Drone pilots in Switzerland can register and obtain certificates on a voluntary basis. The service is free of charge until further notice. Registration and certificates are currently not accepted in other EU countries.
Switzerland has not adopted the EU drone regulation, which requires drone pilots flying a drone weighting more than 250g to register and complete an online training and test.
Since 16 August it is nevertheless possible to register on the platform UAS.gate and pass the online training and test on a voluntary basis.
Certificates obtained voluntarily are not accepted in the EU, as Switzerland has not yet adopted the respective EU regulations. People flying their drone abroad are required to register in the EU Member State where their first drone operation takes place. However, the training and test can be done on the platform of any EU country, depending on the preferred language of the pilot, for confident German speakers for example in Germany or Austria.
Registering on a voluntary basis is worthwhile not only for reasons of costs. Anyone who completes the free of charge online training and test after registration, can deal more intensively with both generally applicable safety topics and the specific rules of the new EU regulation. Furthermore, the registration offers advantages for the ones participating to the Swiss U-space program. If Switzerland adopts the EU drone regulation, the voluntary registration is accepted in Switzerland and the EU. Registration and online training and test will then be charged.
According to the EU drone regulation, pilots are required to register.
Where do I have to register?
You must register on UAS.gate, the official registration, training and testing platform for Swiss drone operators. A CH-Login is required to log in. Instructions on how to set up a login can be found on the Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication (FOITT) website. Please contact the FOITT if you have any questions or technical problems.
How do I register?
It doesn't take more than five minutes to register. You need to provide the following information:
Contact details: Surname, first name, address, date of birth, tel. no
Once you have registered you will receive a UAS operator number(CHExxxxxxxxxxxxx-xyz). The first part of the number (CHExxxxxxxxxxxxx) must be displayed clearly on your drone. The three digits at the end (xyz) is your private 'secret digit' code that should not be shared with anybody else. It is used to enhance the protection of your personal registration number.
Mark your drone clearly!
Before you fly your drone, you must make sure it is marked with your UAS operator number. This must be clearly visible on the drone. It does not matter how you affix the number: it can be on a plaque, engraved, or written by hand in capital letters using a waterproof marker pen. If you fly an unmarked drone, you will be liable to a fine.
2. Obtain the certificate necessary to fly your class of drone
To fly a drone weighing more than 250g you must also undergo training and take a test. The type of training and testing depends on the sub-category (A1, A2, A3) in which the drone is flown. Further information.
You can take the test necessary for your drone sub-category on UAS.gate: To obtain a remote pilot certificate (A2), you must first complete the certificate of competency training (A1/A3) and then take additional modules and a practical test.
How long does it take to obtain my certificate?
For the certificate of competency, it takes about four hours to go through the training modules and complete the test. These must be completed within a 30-day time period. To pass the test, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly.
How do I obtain my certificate having taken the test?
After completing the test, you will receive your result and certificate in PDF file format on the UAS.gate dashboard. The certificate will also be sent to the email address you provided when registering on the portal.
How long is my certificate valid for?
Certificates are valid for five years, after which the theoretical knowledge acquired must be refreshed. You will be alerted shortly before the validity of your certificate is due to end.
And now you are ready to fly your drone!
UAS operator
Person responsible for the drone.
Remote pilot
A person permitted to operate a drone, because you obtained the appropriate certificate proving that you are capable of operating a drone.
UAS-Betreibernummer
Electronic registration number that must be clearly displayed on the drone. A drone without a UAS operator number clearly displayed may not be flown.
Remote pilot ID
Your personal remote pilot identification number. You receive your remote pilote ID as soon as you passed the online exams (remote pilot certificate or certificate of competency). The remote pilot ID needs to be carried in the form of the certificate when operating a drone.
Do you have any further questions about registration, training and testing?
