Searching for a lost pet with a drone in Switzerland
Switzerland applies the EASA rules. Drones over 250 g need CHF 1 million of liability insurance, and within 5 km of an aerodrome they need its authorisation.
| Aviation authority | Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more, or less if it has a camera (unless it is a toy). One number for all your drones, shown on each one and valid in every EASA country. On FOCA's dLIS platform: CHF 10, with no expiry; from age 12. Register. |
| Test or certificate | EU A1/A3 online exam, CHF 20, valid 5 years, from age 12. Not needed for C0 or older drones under 250 g in A1. |
| Maximum height | 120 m (400 ft) above the ground. |
| Line of sight | Always in sight with your own eyes. An observer standing next to you may help. |
| Night flights | Allowed with a green flashing light on the drone. |
| Remote ID | Required on class C1, C2 and C3 drones; not on C0 drones or drones without a class mark. |
| No-fly zones | FOCA drone map |
| Controlled airspace | For restricted areas on the drone map, contact the authority it shows. Within 5 km of an aerodrome, drones over 250 g need its authorisation. Check the Daily Airspace Bulletin (DABS) before each flight. |
What matters for a search in Switzerland
- Liability insurance of at least CHF 1 million for drones over 250 g.
- Wildlife protection areas and cantonal restrictions are on the drone map.
- You need the landowner's agreement when take-offs and landings disturb.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in FOCA drone map.
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
- www.bazl.admin.ch/en/registration-drone-operator
- www.bazl.admin.ch/en/faq-drones-en
- www.bazl.admin.ch/en/remote-pilots
- www.bazl.admin.ch/en/geographical-flight-restrictions
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
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