Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

Back in the Netherlands, I refrained from buying a drone to capture aerial and scenic footage due to the strict drone regulations and the high cost of drones. However, since relocating to Japan, my perspective on using drones has shifted, particularly as I have reignited my interest in videography. The Japanese drone regulations are also stringent, but with the breathtaking landscapes of Gifu Prefecture, there are certainly more worthy options to capture scenic and cinematic footage with drones.

Before investing in a more costly drone, I decided to purchase a small, low-cost drone to practice flying indoors and in my garden. My goal is to hone my piloting skills and avoid the risk of crashing an expensive drone into a mountain or forest. After today’s first drone flights, I must say I had a real blast. It made me feel like the kid who used to play with RC cars back in Switzerland.

Moreover, I am considering using a drone not only in Japan but also on our trip to Switzerland this coming September. Apart from enjoying it for my videography ventures, I am well aware of the importance of understanding drone regulations. In this modern era, where information is available at the tap of a few buttons, I have conducted a comparison of drone laws between Switzerland and Japan:

When comparing drone regulations between Switzerland and Japan, it becomes evident that each country takes a unique approach to ensure safety, privacy, and efficient drone operations. Here’s an in-depth comparison:

General Framework

• Switzerland:
  • Governed by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).
  • Regulations align with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards but include some country-specific rules.
• Japan:
  • Governed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
  • Major regulations fall under the Civil Aeronautics Act and the Radio Act.

Registration and Licensing

• Switzerland:
  • Drones weighing 250 grams or more must be registered.
  • Operators must obtain an EASA drone license for commercial use, which involves training and exams.
• Japan:
  • All drones weighing 100 grams or more must be registered.
  • Operators need to pass a skills certification test for commercial operations.

Operational Categories

• Switzerland:
  • Categorizes drones into Open, Specific, and Certified categories based on weight and risk, following EASA guidelines.
• Japan:
  • Categorizes drones based on weight and intended use, including specific categories for commercial and research purposes.

Flight Restrictions

• Switzerland:
  • Maximum altitude is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
  • Visual line of sight (VLOS) must be maintained.
• Japan:
  • Maximum altitude is 150 meters (492 feet) above ground level.
  • Visual line of sight (VLOS) must be maintained.

Privacy and Data Protection

• Switzerland:
  • Operators must respect privacy laws, avoiding unauthorized capture of individuals.
  • Adherence to EU data protection regulations (GDPR).
• Japan:
  • Operators must respect privacy laws, avoiding unauthorized capture of individuals.
  • Specific guidelines for data protection and usage.

Insurance and Liability

• Switzerland:
  • Liability insurance is mandatory for drones weighing 500 grams or more.
• Japan:
  • Liability insurance is recommended but not mandatory for recreational use.

No-Fly Zones and Geo-Fencing

• Switzerland:
  • Detailed maps of no-fly zones are provided by the government.
• Japan:
  • Detailed maps of no-fly zones are provided by the government.

Special Permissions and Authorizations

• Switzerland:
  • Special permissions required for operations in the Specific and Certified categories.
• Japan:
  • Special permissions required for high-risk operations, such as flights in restricted areas or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Conclusion

Both Switzerland and Japan have stringent drone regulations to ensure safety and compliance. Switzerland closely follows EASA guidelines, emphasizing standardized training and certification, while Japan has its unique regulations under the Civil Aeronautics Act. Both countries prioritize privacy and data protection, though Switzerland aligns more with EU GDPR standards. Insurance requirements differ, with Switzerland mandating it for heavier drones and Japan recommending it. Overall, both nations ensure safe drone operations through detailed regulatory frameworks.

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