What laws apply to drone flying in Switzerland?

As of 1 January, Switzerland adopted the European Union legislation that covers drones. The most important change is no doubt the registration requirement for pilots. This requirement does not apply to persons who fly a drone weighing less than 250g that is not equipped with a camera, microphone or other sensors suitable for recording personal data. In addition, all pilots with drones weighing more than 250 grammes need to complete free training and an online exam.

Different requirements apply to different aircraft, however. The most important categories as specified by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation are:  

• A1 – less than 250g
• A1 – less than 90g
• A2 – less than 4 kg
• A3 – less than 25kg
• Transitional categories

Failing to comply with the requirements means breaking the law, with the result that insurers could reduce or even refuse benefits in the event of a claim. The rules set out here apply to Switzerland. If you fly your drone abroad, be aware that different rules often apply. For this reason, Helvetia recommends checking out the situation with regard to licensing and authorization in advance.

On its website, FOCA provides detailed information on the obligations associated with flying drones and answers the most frequently asked questions.