How is Swiss airspace divided?

Like many other countries, Switzerland divides its airspace into different classes to ensure safety and organization in air traffic. Each class has specific rules that pilots - especially paraglider pilots - must know and observe.

Airspace classes in Switzerland

Switzerland uses the ICAO standards for airspace classes and divides its airspace into classes C, D, E and G. The following is an overview:

Airspaces for paraglider pilots

Airspace classes G and E are particularly relevant for paraglider pilots. They are not allowed to fly in other airspaces!

Airspace classes G and E (marked white and white/blue in the picture).

Airspace G (Gulf)

• DescriptionUncontrolled airspace for VFR flights (flight on sight).
• Altitude range: Ground up to 600 AGL (everywhere except CTR)
• UtilizationNo clearance required, pilots are responsible for compliance with visual flight rules.
• Visual flight conditions: 1.5 km visibility and clear of clouds.
• Important for paraglider pilotsMain area of use, as no ATC coordination (Air Traffic Control) is required here. Nevertheless, beware of other pilots and obstacles.

See picture: Airspace class G marked yellow

Airspace separation: Mittelland/Jura and the Alps

From airspace class G, the airspaces in Switzerland are divided geographically into two areas. The Central Plateau/Jura and the Alps. See picture separated by a dividing line.

The maximum flight altitude of FL100 (3050m) applies in the Mittelland/Jura.

In the Alps, the maximum flight altitude is FL130 (3950m) during military flight times (MIL ON). These are from Monday-Friday 0730LT - 1205LT and from 1315LT - 1705LT.

Outside the military flight times (MIL OFF) the maximum flight altitude of FL150 (4550m) applies.

Airspace E (Echo) - Central Plateau/Jura

• Airspace descriptionControlled airspace for IFR flights and with less stringent requirements for VFR flights.
• Altitude rangeFrom 600 AGL to FL100 (3050m).
• UtilizationVFR flights are possible without ATC clearance, but visual flight rules must be observed. IFR flights have priority.
• Visual flight conditions5 km minimum flight visibility and minimum distance to clouds (300m vertical, 1.5km horizontal).
• Relevance for paraglider pilotsFrequently used airspace, but special care must be taken when flying near airports.

 

Airspace E (Echo) - Alps

• DescriptionControlled airspace for IFR flights and with less stringent requirements for VFR flights.
• Altitude rangeFrom 600 AGL to MIL ON FL130 (3950m) and MIL OFF FL150 (4550m).
• UtilizationVFR flights are possible without ATC clearance, but visual flight rules must be observed. IFR flights have priority.
• Visual flight conditions: Below FL100 (3050m) up to a minimum flight visibility of 5km and above FL100 (3050m) up to a minimum flight visibility of 5km apply. minimum visibility of 8km - the large cloud clearances (300m vertical, 1.5km horizontal) apply.
• Relevance for paraglider pilots: Frequently used airspace, but special caution when flying near airports.

Airspace C (Charlie)

• Airspace descriptionControlled airspace for instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR).
• Altitude rangeCentral Plateau/Jura from FL100 (3,050m) to FL 660 (approx. 20,000m). Alps at MIL ON from FL130 (3950m) and at MIL OFF from FL150 (4550m) up to FL660 (approx. 20,000m)
• UtilizationIFR flights have priority in this area, VFR flights are permitted but require clearance from air traffic control (ATC).
• Visual flight conditions: Minimum distances to cloud cover (300m vertical, 1.5km horizontal).
• Special features: Only permitted for paraglider pilots with clearance from air traffic control!

Airspace D (Delta)

• DescriptionControlled airspace for IFR and VFR flights. Usually TMA's and CTR's or in the vicinity of airports.
• Altitude rangeVaries depending on region and airport.
• UtilizationIFR and VFR flights are permitted, although VFR pilots must maintain visual contact and follow ATC instructions.
• Visual flight conditions: Minimum distances to cloud cover (300m vertical, 1.5km horizontal).
• Important for paraglider pilots: Only permitted for paraglider pilots with clearance from air traffic control! The following applies in principle, Avoid flying near airports and observe flight restrictions.

CTR (Control Zone)

Control zones around airports. They extend from the ground to a defined upper limit and are ONLY accessible for VFR flights with ATC clearance.

• DescriptionControlled airspace for IFR and VFR flights.
• Altitude rangeVaries depending on region and airport - generally GND to specified upper limit - see airspace map.
• UtilizationIFR and VFR flights are permitted, whereby VFR pilots must maintain visual contact and follow ATC instructions.
• Visual flight conditions: Minimum distances to cloud cover (300m vertical, 1.5km horizontal).
• Important for paraglider pilots: Only permitted for paraglider pilots with clearance from air traffic control! The following applies in principle, Avoid flying near airports and observe flight restrictions.

TMA (Terminal Control Area)

Controlled area around large airports (e.g. Zurich, Geneva). Paraglider pilots should avoid these areas or obtain permission in advance.

• DescriptionControlled airspace for IFR and VFR flights.
• Altitude rangeVaries depending on region and airport - defined lower and upper limit - see airspace map.
• UtilizationIFR and VFR flights are permitted, whereby VFR pilots must maintain visual contact and follow ATC instructions.
• Visual flight conditions: Minimum distances to cloud cover (300m vertical, 1.5km horizontal).
• Important for paraglider pilots: Only permitted for paraglider pilots with clearance from air traffic control! The following applies in principle, Avoid the vicinity of airports and observe flight restrictions.

Danger and restricted zones

These areas, e.g. military training zones, are marked on the aeronautical chart and may only be flown over with prior permission. Always check the DABS (Daily Airspace Bulletin Switzerland) before flying.

Danger Area (LS-D): Danger area

• Temporarily active - see DABS/NOTAM
• Entry not recommended - legally permitted
• Activation possible at any time 1 day in advance via DABS/NOTAM
• Status request via radio

Restricted Area (LS-R): No-fly zone

• Temporarily active - see DABS/NOTAM
• Entry prohibited - when active
• Activation possible at any time 1 day in advance via DABS/NOTAM
• Status request via radio (special frequency)

Flight Information Zone (FIZ):Flight information zone

• Flight information and alarm service
• Entry possible with radio contact before entry, but no ATC clearance is necessary (send blind message by radio / flight altitude and flight control and report again when leaving the zone). E.g. Samedan
• Maintain constant radio readiness
• Airspace is gulf and echo
• The pilot is responsible

Radio Mandatory Zone (RZM): Area with mandatory radio communication

• Entry possible with radio contact before entry, but no ATC clearance is required (send blind message by radio / altitude and flight control and report again when leaving the zone). E.g. Grenchen
• Maintain constant radio readiness
• The pilot is responsible for "see and avoid"
• Airspace is golf

Transponder Mandatory Zone (TZM): Area with mandatory transponder

• Entry only with active transponder - Mode C or S, i.e. "ALT" e.g. Eastern Switzerland
• Without audibility: Code 7000 - Visible, no traffic information 
• With hearing readiness: Code 2677 - Frequency 119.925 - Traffic information by ATC

Gliding zone (LSR): Special zone for gliders

• Zones see gliding map
• Gliding is possible with reduced cloud cover - if the visibility below FL100 (3050m) is at least 5km and above FL100 (3050m) is at least 8km (i.e. cloud cover of 100m horizontally and 50m vertically)
• Active from March 1 to October 31
• For Mil OFF without authorization
• For Mil ON only with authorization

Tips for paraglider pilots in Swiss airspace

• Always use mapsUse up-to-date ICAO charts to recognize airspace boundaries and restrictions.
• Use apps and devicesDigital tools such as Burnair, XCTrack or modern Varios such as Skytraxx 5 and 5 mini, XC Tracer Maxx II or the Air3 7.35+ help to avoid airspace violations.
• Know the VFR rulesStick strictly to visual flight conditions and minimum distances to clouds.
• Variometer: Devices with FLARM avoid collisions.
• Radio connectionsFor controlled airspaces (C, D, E) a flight radio is often required.