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Switzerland had planned to adopt the European Union Regulation on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) as of 1 July 2020. As a result of the Corona crisis, the EU Commission has decided that the application of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 will be postponed by six months (until 1 January 2021). This means that the current Swiss regulations on the operation of drones will remain in force until the end of 2020. After I chose a destination, I check the Swiss Map to verify that the flight is allowed. I control the weather conditions, I pay attention to the high altitude wind speed, and if it rains or is windy or snowing...I stay at home. I take a look at Google Maps to get an idea of the landscape and I love the Street View function for 360° experience, Google Earth for the position of the sun during my programmed fly also, it's really important. I check the train schedule, I don't own a car, the travel time and how much does it cost, I look for an hotel room if I need more than one day. If I'm satisfied, I decide to leave. I prepare my backpack, and I charge the batteries the day before to leave. The backpack weighs? I choose the drone and the number of batteries based on the lenght and difficulty of the hike, or based on high altitude wind speed, or possibility to find interferences due to masts. (Mavic 2 pro VS Mavic Air). I control I picked everything, filters, SD cards, chargers and all the accessories I need like sunglasses, cables, food, water, clothes ecc. It's all? Let's go!
Application Process: Drones and model aircraft may not be operated near gatherings of people or beyond direct eye contact. However, the FOCA may issue a permit for such flights under certain circumstances. For flights with RPAS (500g to 30kg) at a distance closer than 5km to a runway of a Swiss aerodrome and flights with RPAS within the control zone (CTR) of a Swiss aerodrome if exceeding a height of 150m above ground, an authorization is required from the responsible air traffic control unit (aerodromes with control zone) and / or the aerodrome operator (aerodromes without control zone). (Skyguide special flights) issued exceptionally.
What you should prepare before traveling with a drone in Switzerland: - Switzerland will adopt the new European drone regulation which will come into force in July 2020. As of this date, there is a registration requirement for drone pilots. The FOCA has started the implementation procedures for the introduction of the European regulations. In the future, this will allow drone pilots to fly according to the same standards throughout the European airspace. - To operate drones weighing more than 500 g you are obliged to have insurance coverage of at least 1 million Swiss francs. - It is better to drain batteries and place them in fireproof cases if you take the plane, some airline companies may request it. Don't put batteries in your checked-in luggage but carry them with you. - The ‘geofencing’ functionality in DJI drones is a geographical restriction of the operational area of the drone that is specified by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s restrictions might not be identical to the restrictions on use under the applicable national legislation. This means that you must always be aware of local flight restrictions before operating / piloting a DJI drone. Take a look to official OFFICIAL SWISS MAP to verify that you can fly in determinated areas.
Regulations: - Obligation to keep direct eye contact. - To become aware of a possible temporary ban (FAO Order, Official Notice Sheet). - Prohibition to fly in protected areas including the Ordinance on Reserves of Waterbirds and Migratory Birds. An application for authorization (OROEM) can be issued exceptionally.
Drones with a weight of more than 500 grams should also: (until the end of 2020, after this date will follow European Regulamentation)
- Flights within 5km of a civilian or military aerodrome are subject to authorization by Skyguide. - Maximum flight height, 150 meters in CTR (control traffic region). - Minimum distance of 100 meters from a gather of more than 24 people. - Bring your certificate of liability insurance when stealing a minimum insured amount of 1 million Swiss francs.
Pay attention: - My drone weighs less than 500 grams. Does that mean that I can use it without any restrictions?
No. Regulations also apply to the operation of lightweight drones. Although you may in principle fly your drone anywhere other than in the nature conservation zones depicted on the special FOCA map of restricted areas (RPAS Map), you still have to observe certain basic rules. You must maintain eye contact with your drone at all times and observe the principle of protection of privacy. Although you are allowed to operate your drone above gatherings of people, if you cause an accident you will be liable for any resulting damage. In the case of lightweight drones too, the operator is always responsible for their safe use.
Some cantons may apply additional restrictions: 
Recommendations:Inspect your drone before and after each flight, check the entire frame for cracks including the landing gear and props. Make sure you have sufficient GPS signal and wait for the "Home Point Recorded" message to avoid a fly away, and an adequate RTH altitude setted for a safe return to home.
Always check the weather conditions to find out about wind conditions or if you'll find rain, fog or snow. Cold and high wind drain fast your batteries, and high-altitude winds could generate a "Max motor speed reached" alert which inform you that your drone is in danger.
Apply a fireproof label on the drone with your full name and phone number, it is not required but I recommend it even if you want to fly in other countries, I also applied it on my GoPro, in case of loss.
Drone flights using video eyewear are authorized only when direct eye contact can be established with the drone at any time.
The “see and avoid” principle applies to unmanned aircraft as well. Since an aircraft pilot stands little chance of recognizing a small drone early enough, it is your responsibility to take timely evasive action and always to maintain a proper distance from other aircrafts. Especially on the mountains, always fly in your line of sight, don't think to be alone all the time, helicopters and other planes you couldn't hear can come close to your drone; they often fly at low altitude leaving you a little reaction time. https://youtu.be/hUUIy9TCIwgFlying a drone over the scene of an accident to take aerial pictures may impede a rescue helicopter from approaching the site. In addition, rescue services feel that their work is disturbed by drones. It is forbidden to fly a drone in an emergency operation if not instructed to do so by the operation leader.
You could also register your flight on AirMap which will notify SkyGuide of your mission.
Useful tips: Bring filters with you, especially on the mountains or if you visit lakes or you find snow, I recommend you polarized filters for reflecting surfaces (i use 32/pl also).
Bring at least two batteries with you and make sure you have an empty and capacious SD card.
Find a way to make a daily backup of your footages; personally I use a backup unit with a SSD.
Bring a landing pad or landing gear and an outdoor first aid kit with you if you want to go hiking on the mountains and don't forget photography glovesin winter time and your sunglasses!
Official links:
Apps and useful links:
Customs: - There are no special requirements for getting a drone to Switzerland
Happy flight and fly safe
Saas-Fee
https://youtu.be/_awZ9jp-VPg
Engelber and Titlis Mountain
https://youtu.be/nXhj19thT_8
Matterhorn seen from Gornergrat and Zermatt
https://youtu.be/n5gsVTESBCA
Niederhorn
https://youtu.be/wc2Yyza8oDg
La tour de Famelon
https://youtu.be/ZjOsTGHgsog
Lac de Lioson
https://youtu.be/yAkjpyppO7M
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Captain
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First Officer
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Second Officer
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