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.
Around 15,000 people in Switzerland fly model aircraft, and around 8,000 of these are members of the 190 model flying clubs affiliated to the Swiss Model Aviation Association (SMV), the body representing the sport’s interests.
Model aircraft pilots may fly under privileged simplified rules provided that:
they are an SMV member; or
they sign a declaration agreeing to abide by the SMV Code of Good Practice. The declaration and Code of Good Practice can be found on the SMV website. A signed copy of the declaration must be carried when flying a model aircraft.
The privileged rules comprise SMV rules and those listed below:
Model aircraft may not be flown in a negligent or intentionally hazardous manner that may endanger human life or the property of third parties.
Liability insurance must be taken out for model aircraft weighing over 250g. The coverage amount in the event of a claim must be at least CHF 1 million. Proof of this liability insurance must be carried when flying a model aircraft.
Aircraft may only be flown within visual line of sight (VLOS). It is not permitted to fly model aircraft beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
The minimum age at which it is permitted to fly a model aircraft unsupervised is five years.
In the following areas, model aircraft weighing over 250g may only be flown with an authorisation from the competent authority:
In the vicinity of a civil or military airfield. These are marked on the drone map and the geographical flight restrictions are indicated.
In an active control traffic region (CTR) when flying higher than 150 metres above ground level.
A link on the drone map takes you to the authorisation-issuing authority.
Model aircraft must be maintained at a minimum horizontal distance of 100 metres from assemblies of people.
Exception: Public model aircraft flying events.
Model aircraft with a take-off weight of more than 30kg (25kg for flights in the EU) require an authorisation from the FOCA. Further information can be found in the following section: ‘Large model aircraft requiring an authorisation’.
Large model aircraft requiring an authorisation
Model aircraft with a take-off weight of more than 30kg (25kg for flights in the EU) require a permit from the FOCA. The FOCA specifies the requirements and the operating conditions on a case-by-case basis. It publishes guidelines on constructing a fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter to comply with these specifications.
In addition to these documents, you will find further information pertaining to large model aircraft below:
The FOCA considers the permit application and the documents required, and inspects and assesses the aircraft. If everything is in order, an operating permit valid for two years is issued.
In order to extend the operating permit, an application must be submitted to the FOCA along with the required documents. They should be submitted one month before the existing permit expires in order to ensure that the application can be processed in good time.
Model aircraft with an operating permit (i.e. models with a maximum take-off mass exceeding 30 kg) must undergo an annual inspection to ensure that they remain in a safe condition and are airworthy.
The annual inspection checklists are available on this website and must be used when conducting the inspection.
The annual inspection must be carried out once a year, starting from the effective date of the operating permit.
The inspection must be carried out using the official annual inspection checklist. If additional items require inspection but are not listed on the checklist, they must also be inspected and properly documented.
Once the inspection is complete, the checklist must be duly completed and signed by the person responsible for the inspection.
A corresponding entry must be made in the aircraft maintenance logbook to certify that the annual inspection has been carried out.
If any defects or abnormalities are found during the inspection, they must be corrected before the aircraft is considered airworthy. The aircraft may not be operated until the defects found have been corrected and its airworthiness has been restored.
The annual inspection does not replace the inspection performed by an expert from the Swiss aeromodelling federation (SMV) that is required following a major modification or major repair to the aircraft.
It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to ensure that the annual inspection is performed within the required timeframe and that all maintenance records are kept up to date.
The FOCA must be notified of any changes made to an already permitted model aircraft (e.g. motor, modifications, remote control, major repairs), or any change of address, sale or change in owner. A new operating permit will then be issued.
Processing time: Approx. 2 weeks
Fee: CHF 90 permit fee plus any additional costs arising
A model aircraft from abroad may only be flown in Switzerland with a valid permit approved by the FOCA. A valid permit from the country of origin must be presented.
Processing time: at least 2 weeks
Fee: CHF 90 permit fee plus any additional costs arising
Model aircraft with a maximum take-off mass exceeding 30 kg that are registered in Germany and have successfully passed the inspection required by the Deutscher Modellflieger Verband (DMFV) or the Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC), are exempt from the requirement to notify the FOCA before flying in Switzerland. This exemption is based on the special bilateral agreements concluded between Switzerland and Germany.
To qualify for this exemption, the following conditions must be met:
The operating permit must be valid at the time of the flight.
The pilot must hold a valid operating permit and the required insurance certificate whilst conducting flight operations and present them upon request.
Before undertaking any flight, the model aircraft pilot must liaise with the person in charge of the aviation event or the chair of the model aircraft club where the flight will take place.
If these conditions are not met, the exemption does not apply and the applicable Swiss requirements must be complied with.
Alternative operation in accordance with drone regulations
If model aircraft are not flown in accordance with the SMV guidelines, they fall under the more restrictive and complex rules for drones. Further information can be found at:
The flying of model aircraft at model air shows is not regulated by the FOCA and is the responsibility of the persons involved. However, if both model aircraft and manned aircraft are flown at an air show, a special authorisation must be obtained from the FOCA in advance.
