Switzerland has specific regulations in place regarding the operation of drones. To fly a drone in Switzerland, you must adhere to the guidelines set by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals, as well as the smooth operation of airspace.
One of the primary rules when flying a drone in Switzerland is that you must maintain a visual line of sight with your drone at all times. Additionally, drones weighing more than 500g require a drone pilot license. You must also respect a minimum distance of 5 km from airports and heliports and stay at least 100 meters away from gatherings of people, buildings, animals, and vehicles.
Before operating a drone in Switzerland, you must register it with FOCA. Each drone must have a registration number displayed visibly on the device. Ensure that your drone is insured for liability in case of accidents.
Switzerland has designated no-fly zones and restricted areas where drone operations are prohibited. Make sure to check official maps and apps to stay updated on these restricted zones, which include areas near prisons, military installations, and power plants.