Drones

If you wish to fly without a FOCA authorisation, you must comply with the general flight rules for the open category. Below you will find full information on flying an aircraft in the open category. Rules that also apply in the specific category are indicated.

On this page you will find all relevant information for drone operators.

Flights in the open and specific categories may only be performed by remote pilots with the required qualifications.

There are areas in Switzerland in which flying drones is prohibited or restricted. Drone pilots must find out about the applicable flight restrictions before each flight.

Drones of all kinds can be bought in shops and on the internet. There are a few things you should bear in mind before buying a drone.

Certain incidents that occur during drone operations must be reported. By systematically reporting and analysing incidents, further accidents can be prevented.

As soon as one or more of the rules of the open category cannot be complied with or the take-off weight of the drone is higher than 25kg, authorisation is required to operate a drone. The drone then falls under the specific category.

The FOCA has designated areas in Swiss airspace – U-space airspaces – in which drone pilots use a collection of digital services to help them operate their drones safely.

It is important to respect the privacy of other people when flying drones.

Flying model aircraft is a hobby enjoyed by many people of all ages. It gives young people their first experience of flight and technology, while adults can ‘play’ with large scale models. Here the privileges and requirements involved in flying model aircraft in Switzerland are explained.

Here you'll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about drone regulations.