Keystone-SDA
Swiss airspace must also be regulated for drones. The aim is to guarantee the safe integration of drones into air traffic, the government said on Friday.
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December 20, 2024 – 11:49
(Keystone-ATS) The introduction of so-called “U-Space” airspace in regions where air traffic is denser constitutes a central element. A U-Space airspace consists of a set of digital and automated services.
There, drone pilots can exchange information and data with each other and other airspace users. According to the Confederation, the first Swiss U-Space airspace is planned in the Zurich region.
In addition, framework conditions must be created by 2030 so that all airspace users are visible. To do this, they must be equipped with internationally compatible position announcement systems, the government specified in response to a postulate from National.
More than 90,000 drone pilots
Currently, drones do not use specific aeronautical infrastructure, according to the Confederation. But this will change as soon as drones are larger and travel the same route several times, for example to transport people or goods in flying taxis.
When this is the case, it will be necessary to make regulatory adaptations in land use planning for the infrastructure necessary for this purpose, the press release continues.
Already since 2023, drone pilots have been required to register in an official register. There is a training and examination obligation. Flight restriction zones protect sensitive areas and infrastructure.
Switzerland today has more than 90,000 registered drone pilots, and the trend is increasing. According to the Confederation, drones have great social and economic potential.
In the field of research and development, Swiss universities such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) as well as start-ups are represented among the world leaders in the fields of drones and robotics.
