Large influx of registration requests for drones
The Confederation adopted the regulations in force in the EU on drones and other unmanned aircraft from 1 January.
A French artist Guillaume Legros created this work on the heights of Montreux. (illustrative photo)
AFP PHOTO / Guillaume LEGROS
In one month, since the announcement of the new requirements, some 10,000 drone pilots have officially registered with the Confederation. And about as many users have taken an operating exam.
The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (OFAC) is “beset by registration requests”, spokesman Christian Schubert told Keystone-ATS.
At the end of November, the Confederation announced that Switzerland would adopt EU regulations on drones and other unmanned aircraft as of January 1. These rules, which set standards for safety and operation in particular, impose training and examination for certain categories of drones and define weight limits, maximum flight heights and geographical restrictions.
Continuous influx
Users must now register their device with the OFAC depending in particular on the weight and equipment of the machine. In the five weeks since the announcement of the new rules, no less than 10,000 users have registered, and about as many have taken the online exam to obtain the guidance certificate required for drones weighing 250 grams and more.
“Most pilots are serious and follow the rules,” says OFAC. Certificates that were issued before the new rules, by UAS.gate or abroad, remain valid.
For most devices, i.e. those in the so-called “open” category, a (free) registration is sufficient. For others, which relate to specific professional uses such as spreading or transport, an authorization from the OFAC is necessary. The same goes for flying over certain areas, especially near airports or above prisons.
The spokesperson for the federal office expects a continued influx of requests, in the order of 8,000 to 10,000 per month. Drones are in vogue. It should be noted that pilots are required, before each flight, to consult the specific charts published by OFAC and indicating the flight restrictions.
ATS
You found an error?Please let us know.