In Switzerland, the European drone regulations apply
Compulsory registration, categories and classes
- EU regulation distinguishes between three different categories. The majority of drones are flown in the open category. This category regulates the operation of drones that can basically fly without permits. The new EU regulation requires pilots to register on the official registration platform (UAS.gate). After registration, the pilot must complete an online training course and an online test. For flying drones with a take-off weight of less than 250 grams, only the registration obligation for the pilot applies.
- The operating classes differ mainly in how close you are allowed to fly to uninvolved persons. This means people who have not been informed about the drone flight and have not given their consent. Generally, you are not allowed to fly over gatherings of people in the open category, regardless of the subcategory. A crowd is defined as a large number of people standing so close together that it is almost impossible for a single person to move away from the crowd.
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Drones without class markings, can still be flown according to the rules of the transition category
CE marking versus C class designation
- By CE marking, a manufacturer in the European Union declares that a given product complies with the applicable requirements set out in harmonisation legislation. Self-built drones do not require CE marking.
- The C-class designation describes the technical characteristics of the drones. For example, the maximum take-off weight and specifications regarding construction safety. The drone C-class marking also determines whether you fall into subcategory A1, A2 or A3.
