What will change for drone pilots in 2020?

Switzerland will adopt the new European drone regulation. It will come into force from June 2020. This will allow drone pilots to fly according to the same rules throughout European airspace in the future. Harmonization will also enable the cross-border transfer of drone technology, creating a basic prerequisite for the growing drone industry, according to the Swiss government. This is because the unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly being used for professional purposes, such as inspections. According to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (Bazl), the following regulation will apply compared to today:

• Anyone operating a drone with a flying weight of 250 g or more will be required to register and take an online exam starting in June 2020.
• Owners of drones weighing less than 250 g are also required to register if they are equipped with a camera or can process other personal data.
• A maximum flight altitude of 120 meters above ground now applies in the open category. As before, the drone must be operated in direct visual contact.
• Drones must meet certain basic industrial standards and receive a CE seal for this.
• The EU regulation stipulates a minimum age of 16 for the independent operation of drones. This can be lowered to a maximum of 12 years by national supervisory authorities.
• Small drones under 250 g flying weight can be operated without restrictions, unless they are equipped with a camera.
• Model flying within the framework of associations and organizations can largely continue within the current framework. The basics for this are being worked out together with the Model Aviation Association SMV.

For more information: https://bit.ly/2ngy4O2