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Lately, we have seen a growing number of people interested in drones—photographers, architects, construction companies, hunters, and racers alike—whether for professional use or simple leisure. As an experienced and professional drone pilot since 2016, I would like to share my advice so that you have all the essential information at your fingertips and can save time in your research.
On January 1, 2023, Switzerland adopted the EU’s drone regulations, which introduced many changes for drone operations in the country. Full details can be found in the FAQ on EU drone regulations published by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
According to Swiss regulations, any pilot operating a drone that weighs over 250 g is required to register with the FOCA. However, operators of drones weighing less than 250 g and not equipped with a camera, microphone, or other sensors capable of collecting personal data are exempt from this registration requirement.
For example, someone who owns a small drone without a camera, such as the Holy Stone HS170 (41 g), does not need to register it. On the other hand, an individual who owns a small drone with a camera, like the DJI Mini 4 (242 g), must still register despite its weight being under 250 g.
You must register with dLIS, the official registration, training, and testing platform for Swiss drone operators. To do so, you must first have a valid CH login issued by the Swiss government. Applicants must be at least 12 years old.
Only registered operators are allowed to fly a drone in Switzerland. If you are a foreign operator, you must register in the EU member state where you reside or where your company is registered. In this case, you do not need to register in Switzerland. However, suppose you are a foreign operator whose residence or registered office is outside the EU. In that case, you must register in Switzerland unless you have already done so in an EU member state.
For the registration process, you will need to provide the following information:
Once you are logged in to your dashboard, go to the "Licences Autorisations" tab and click the blue "Create a new drone certificate" button. From there, you can choose from three certificate categories:
Certificate A1/A3
Choose this option if you are flying a drone that weighs under 900 g.
Certificate A2
Choose this option if you are flying a drone that weighs under 4 kg.
You must have already completed the A1/A3 Certificate.
Certificate STS
This advanced certificate covers Standard Scenarios and is required for flights in built-up areas (VLOS) and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Choose this option if you wish to obtain European certification in the specific category.
You must have already completed the A1/A3 Certificate.
1. Certificate A1/A3
You must complete a theoretical training course before taking the test, which consists of a 40-question multiple-choice questionnaire. The training and test together take about 4 hours. Once you start the training, you must finish the test within 30 days. You will receive your results immediately upon completion. This test is free of charge.
2. Certificate A2
You must complete a theoretical training course, as well as a practical self-training, before taking the test (30 questions). The test itself is free of charge. However, you may pay for a one-day training course with a recognized provider beforehand (approximately CHF 350) to increase your chances of success.
3. Certificate STS
You must complete a theoretical training course and practical training with a recognized entity before taking the test (40 questions). This certification is more expensive because you may require multiple days of training. Costs range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 5,000, depending on the processing time and associated workload.
Congratulations! You are now ready to fly and have a fantastic time with your drone. Before taking off, here’s a quick reminder of everything you need to check to ensure safe and compliant flights:
You must affix your personal UAS operator number (CHExxxxxxxxxxxxx-xyz) to your drone. You will find this number in your dLIS dashboard. Note that you should only use the 13 characters after “CHE.” The three digits at the end (xyz) form your private secret code, which must not be shared with anyone, as it helps protect your personal registration number. Ensure your UAS operator number is placed prominently on the drone so that it is visible to everyone. You may write it directly on the drone’s shell using a permanent marker or place a sticker with your UAS number on it.
Always check the safety guidelines before taking off, and maintain visual contact with your drone throughout the flight.
If you have followed all these guidelines, you will be fully covered in any situation you may encounter. From now on, you can fly with peace of mind and enjoy the thrill of the air!
Thank you for reading this article, and I wish you a wonderful time with your drone. Don’t forget to have fun during your flights and feel free to share your own experiences by commenting below.
Images:
Esmonde Yong https://unsplash.com/fr/photos/quelques-figurines-debout-sur-un-appareil-photo-yqQPg2yZBC4
Akhil Yerabati https://unsplash.com/fr/photos/jouet-robot-gris-sur-table-en-bois-marron-cbRuQDMNr4E
Je suis un expert en création de contenu numérique. Je suis spécialisé dans le taux d'engagement et l'amélioration de la visibilité des marques. Ma mission est d'aider les entreprises à devenir des leaders de leur industrie en créant du contenu captivant et des stratégies marketing sur mesure qui résonnent avec leur public. Grâce à mon expérience aux côtés de marques internationales de premier plan, j'ai contribué à faire grandir leur communauté et optimiser leurs ventes en construisant une identité de marque forte qui leur a permis de surpasser leurs concurrents. Je suis passionné par la création d’expériences numériques engageantes, conçues pour capter l’attention, renforcer la compréhension et ancrer durablement le message dans l’esprit du public.
Thanks a lot for all the interesting informations !!