Spraying with drones (SPRAY)
The spraying of liquids with an unmanned aircraft is subject to prior authorization by FOCA. The specific requirements for submitting an authorization request depend primarily on the type of substance being sprayed and the intended use-case.
Applications must be submitted at least 2 months before the intended operation.
The following diagram will help you choose the right approval procedure:
Spraying of plant protection products (PPPs) and fertilizers
The use of drones in the agricultural sector mainly involves the dispersion of plant protection products (PPPs) and fertilizers. The operational authorization request is generally based on the PDRA-S01.
Aerial spraying: strengthened coordination between manned aviation and UAS
Inter-offices work is currently underway to strengthen coordination between manned aviation, in particular helicopter operators, and UAS operators involved in aerial spraying activities. New requirements will be implemented in the near future and will apply both to operators who have already been authorized and to those intending to submit a new application.
Spraying of chemical substances and/or preparations
The use of chemical substances/preparations mainly relies on self-regulation by the manufacturer. As a general rule, anyone who releases a substance or preparation into the environment must ensure that it does not endanger human health or harm the environment, and this also applies to the application of chemicals by drones. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that both humans and the environment are not exposed to the chemicals applied.
Spraying of biocides
The use of biocides with drones requires coordination between FOCA (for the aeronautical aspects) and other relevant offices (FOPH, FOAG, SECO and FOEN, for the biocides aspects).
Spraying of organisms
From a substance regulation perspective, the spreading of organisms does not require any specific approval. However, from an aeronautical standpoint, the operation still requires authorization from FOCA.
Spraying of water
From a substance regulation perspective, the spraying of water does not require any specific approval. However, from an aeronautical standpoint, the operation still requires authorization from FOCA. The spraying of water is not permitted under STS-01 or STS-02. Operators intending to perform water spraying flights must submit an application under a PDRA or SORA process. It is recommended to apply under PDRA-S01 or PDRA-S02, which respectively mirror the operational conditions of STS-01 and STS-02.